Debra Aspinall is wowed by the versatile Brian Conley

I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 12 pantomimes at Wycombe Swan, but this year's production starring Brian Conley is simply the best ever.

I was aware of, but not particularly a big fan of, Brian before the show, but his boundless enthusiasm, perfect comic timing and ability to connect with his audience of all ages blew me away.

Many of the previous pantos here have had big celebrity names, great acting, singing and dancing, humorous dames and wonderful sets. But not all of them could tick all these boxes. Cinderella does just that. It came as no surprise to learn that this production at The Birmingham Hippodrome last year broke all box office records to become the most successful panto ever.

The music is mostly up-tempo rock and roll, there's only a small cast of dancers and actually not too much music interfering with the comedy (so that's a big plus for the kids) and the jokes start right away with Baron Hardup (ventriloquist Dawson Chance and his adorable tortoise puppet Willy - providing huge scope for lots of silly willy jokes) and his two most outrageous step-daughters Trinny and Susannah played by a duo considered one of the best ugly sister combos in the country, Peter Robbins and Nigel Ellacott. Nigel designs all the incredible costumes worn by the sisters which are something of a show in themselves.

As soon as Brian Conley arrives on stage though, it's clear whose show this is. He sings louder and better than anyone else, gets more laughs than anyone else and within minutes has the audience rooting for his character, Buttons, whose love of the pretty Cinders offers moments of great comedy and pathos.

His real talent is in blasting through the show and making it look like he's actually making it all up as he goes along. The bits when things "go wrong" are hysterical. Brian is a master of ad-lib. His handling of hecklers (usually over-enthusiastic boy scouts) masterful, and his interaction with audience members very funny indeed. He's like a naughty schoolboy making rude noises and very silly jokes, but this is panto, so grown men and women are laughing out loud from start to finish.

The rest of the supporting cast, a lovely Cinders (Michelle Potter), charming prince (Dean Chisnall), cute Dandini (Jody Crosier) and powerful in deed and voice fairy (Kerry Winter), all play their parts beautifully, but are never more than a supporting act for the amazing Mr C.

Or maybe we should call him Mr V, for versatile.

Whatever you call him, just make sure you don't miss this great show Cinderella runs at The Wycombe Swan until 6 January. Call the box office on 01494 512000 www.wycombeswan.co.uk

10:55am Wednesday 12th December 2007

Print

Email this