Charlotte Hunt plays Cinderella in The Q Theatre’s pantomime version of the fairy-tale classic. Photo: Supplied.
Cinderella is known for sparkle, magic and happily ever afters – but this locally-written and cast production is also all about slapstick and side-splitting silliness.
Leisa Keen picked up her love of pantomime theatre in the 2000s and feels like it’s something that’s been missing from the Capital region’s scene since the COVID-19 pandemic.
So she took it upon herself to bring the magic back to The Q Theatre.
“I’ve written the show myself, put the music together – with popular songs from the 60s and 70s to current hits – and teamed up with Michelle Heine [of Legs Performing Arts studio] to sort out the choreography,” Leisa said.
The family-friendly result is packed with colourful characters, comedy and crowd-pleasing capers and will be a great way for seasoned show-lovers to introduce tiny theatre-goers to experience the joy of pantomime.
In true Disney fashion, there’s also some jokes and references that will go over the children’s heads but are sure to have the adults sniggering in their seats.
Leisa has encouraged every audience member to get as involved as they possibly can, from dressing up as their favourite Cinderella character to contributing to the plot taking place on stage.
“You’ll need to boo and hiss the villain, cheer when Cinderella and the Prince come on stage, call ‘watch out’ when our characters need to be warned,” she said.
“Don’t take it seriously, sing, shout … people should always feel free to join in with the fun and excitement.”
The case features seven adult performers – Charlotte Hunt, Lachlan Elderton, Lainie Hart, David Pearson, Joe Dinn, David Collins and Leisa Keen – supported by an ensemble of 16 children who will play everything in between, from the villagers to animals and guests at the ball.
Leisa said there were many classic fairy tales she could have chosen to write a pantomime about, but she felt the story of Cinderella was the best choice.
“Cinderella is a story that everybody knows and loves and so I thought it would get people back into the theatre,” she said.
It’s hoped this will be the start of a resurgence of pantomimes for the Canberra area with hopes to hold one each year at The Q Theatre.
The pantomime will twirl onto The Q’s stage from 21 to 24 January with two shows each day.
Leisa promised the show was packed full of fairy-tale fun and fabulous foolishness.
“Everything in pantomime is over the top: it’s big, it’s bright, it’s bold,” she said.
“Don’t watch it silently.”
Tickets to Cinderella at The Q Theatre are available online or by calling the Box Office on (02) 6285 6290. The Q is at 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan.
