Theatre | Cinderella Pantomime - Belgrade Theatre Review

BEST. PANTO. EVER!! That’s it review done. Of course I’m joking, I definitely have to tell you about how BRILLIANT this years Belgrade Panto was. This year it was the fantastic Cinderella with a few twists from the traditional storyline. So let’s dive into the magical and extremely well written performance.

I’ve been to the Belgrade Theatre panto every year for the last few years. Last year was Jack and The Beanstalk, the year before was Beauty and The Beast and back in 2019 was Puss in Boots. So I’m very familiar with the Belgrade panto and how brilliant Iain Lauchlan is as a writer and producer of these shows every year.

This year it had a slight twist with two dames as the step sisters in Cinderella, and my goodness they were hilarious. From the incredibly well thought of costumes, jokes and how well they had the audience involved every step of the way. With nods towards love island and a tribute towards the ‘I’m just Ken’ song in Barbie the movie. With hilarious tongue twisters and stomach clenching moments of laughter. I laughed so much during this show I had crease lines in my make up from laughing so hard.

I always love how current these pantos are with the mentions of events from the current year or trends that have occurred. I also love how every year they incorporate the usual favourites of the squirty guns where the cast get covered in bubbles or foam and sometimes the audience. Alongside a spectacular big moment in the show, where this year was Cinderella’s carriage which honestly had my jaw dropping it was fantastic.

As for the choreography of the show which I don’t always mention in my reviews, but they were SO talented all the cast! One particular part of the cast I thought stood out the most from the ensemble was Megan Cook who was the understudy for the Fairy Godmother/Evil stepmother. Constantly smiling and I could see how much effort was put into everything - definitely an upcoming theatrical star.

Also a shoutout to the lady who played Cinderella (Holly Topping) was an incredible singer and looked stunning throughout. Both Holly & Megan had a lovely half up half down hairstyle which I loved and inspired me to recreate the next day - bows in my hair is my new favourite accessory thanks to them. 

As for the set and the costumes are ALWAYS brilliant. Whoever the costume designer is, they always smash it out the park. I couldn’t recommend this panto enough. Whether you are local to Coventry or are from the West Midlands, you have to get your hands on some tickets as you honestly can’t miss out! I’d definitely get fomo if I didn’t see it this year. I actually am tempted to go again and take my nephew!

Book your tickets here before they sell out. As I keep checking and they are honestly selling like hot cakes - as they do every year. Just goes to show how well sort after this show is! Showing from 22nd November 2023 to Saturday 13th January 2024. 

Thank you to the Belgrade as always for kindly inviting me to review the show. Absolutely fantastic! 5/5 stars from me as always. 

*I was kindly invited as press to review this event. All my opinions are my own, open and honest. Please refer to my disclaimer for more information.*