Fairy tale magic was in the air at the Woodford Centre last week as Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society (CHYPS) performed Cinderella to a full house every night.
Now in its fourth year, CHYPS has built a reputation for high quality pantomimes with its cast of over thirty 11-18 year olds from around the East Cheshire area, and Cinderella was no exception.
Katie Stubbs was captivating playing Cinderella in her first lead role for CHYPS. She charmed the audience throughout the story and performed both solo and duet songs, including Charity Chapman’s “If I Could Fly”.
Callum Holt-Eaton was wonderful as Buttons. As a key character throughout the story, the role includes lots of audience interaction which he managed perfectly. Callum also has a super voice as shown in his version of the Bruno Mars hit “Just the Way You Are”.
Sam Oakes and Josh Feldman brought the house down as the outrageous Ugly Sisters. Their rendition of The Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling” and “Two Ladies” from Cabaret with Dandini were truly unforgettable.
The quality of performance for such a young cast was very high across the board, from the Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming to the dancers and the 5 piece band who accompanied the show throughout.
The production quality was once again first rate. Costumes, scenery, lighting and sound were all of a quality normally reserved for the big theatres and so all the more stunning in the intimate Woodford Centre.
Sally Hunt, the show producer said “I can’t thank everyone enough in the cast and crew for their efforts in bringing together this marvellous show. They should all be very proud of what they have achieved.”
The Mayor and Mayoress of Cheshire East attended on Thursday which was also the Mayor’s birthday. The Mayor was greeted backstage by a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday” by the cast after which he addressed them and said “This is the best birthday present I’ve had. Simply wonderful!”
CHYPS now has its own Facebook page where you can find lots more information about CHYPS including photographs from the show and news about forthcoming auditions. Please visit www.facebook.com/chypspanto.
