Events & Entertainment | Posted on February 10th, 2026 | return to news

Twisted Cinderella

Colehill Music and Drama Society, Colehill Village Hall

Review by Luke Graham

Since 1999, Colehill Music and Drama Society (Co.Mad for short) has been staging a yearly pantomime and raising money for good causes in the local area.

This year’s production, ‘Twisted Cinderella’, aimed to raise funds for Colehill Village Hall, which is in need of support to keep it operating. Hopefully, the society raised a good amount towards this goal.

Written by cast member Alice Weller, ‘Twisted Cinderella’ retells the classic Cinderella story with a — well — twist in the tale. Here, the evil stepmother, Baroness Hardup, manages to steal the Fairy Godmother’s wand and uses it to make Prince Charming fall in love with the ugly stepsisters. Fortunately, true love’s kiss saves the day.

With such a large cast, it’s impossible to mention everyone, but there were several notable performances.

In the main roles of Cinders and the Prince, Lisa Low and Alice Weller brought plenty of confidence and stage presence to their performances. Both are skilled singers, and I especially enjoyed their duet, ‘Especially for You’. This is the third pantomime I’ve seen Alice perform in, and she is always entertaining and professional.

Pam Mizon was particularly good as the evil stepmother, playing the role with icy cruelty and treating Cinderella and Buttons with disdain. I liked the choice to underplay the part, making it more grounded and realistic rather than an over-the-top, cartoonish villain.

Bill Mason and Keith Jobes were very funny as the ugly stepsisters, Britney and Donatella. They made a great double act, and I congratulate them on their quick costume changes, appearing in increasingly ridiculous outfits and wigs every time they came on stage.

Ann Mason did well in the ‘children’s friend’ role of Buttons, bringing pathos and jovial energy to her scenes. Her impersonation of Cilla Black in a ‘Blind Date’ parody during the second act was particularly entertaining.

Also deserving of praise is Lexi James, a younger member of the cast who performed confidently and showcased her dancing and singing talents in the song ‘Cross the Line’.

Congratulations to Charlotte Prosser for pulling double duty as both director and Fairy Godmother, playing the latter with plenty of amusing whimsy.

I was particularly impressed by the painted backdrops and scenery created by cast member Sally Atkins, especially the set for the royal ball, complete with a moving clock.

There were a few technical issues, such as microphone feedback and occasional line prompts. which were slightly distracting. However, this did not detract from the overall experience.

To offer some constructive criticism, I did feel that the first act needed a bit more energy and momentum. However, the second act picked up well and built towards a strong finale.

Overall, this was a fun, entertaining pantomime. Congratulations to the cast and crew.