The Stage, January 9 1992

"...a great entertainment..."

A WELL written and witty book by Hugh Janes together with an experienced cast in a polished production by director and choreographer Henry Metcalfe gave Thorndike a charming and very amusing pantomime this year.
It opened with the Brokers Men Dave Mayberry and Martyn Blunt (Dickie Rock and Rickie Roll) singing an energetic rock number. The good start was maintained with the two playing tough spivs to keep the rest in order.
They could not succeed as Rodney Bewes and Leslie Randall ran their own show as the Ugly Sisters. They chipped one another and chatted with the audience in a highly entertaining portrayal of Hardup's problem daughters.
Their ad libs were splendid and so was their script when they got back to it.
The duos worked together exceedingly well. Jess Conrad with his strong stage presence was most versatile as Dandini and Richard Swerrun made a fine Prince. Dreamcoar songs were, of course, right up their Street.
Mark Greenstrect as Buttons without pathos was a great favourite with the audience and so was Annabcl Giles as Cinders.
Liz Fraser created a new look as a learner Fairy Godmother for whom nothing worked. Just before her test she entered left but that did not affect a jolly good performance.
The less rewarding roles of Baron Hardup and Little Miss Muffet were neatly taken by Brian Matthew and Sarah Kimm.
An energetic team of dancers and colourful costumes completed a great entertainment with MD Alan Park at the keyboard.
Peter Tatlow