THE queen of British variety is back for another wacky and wonderful seasonal show at this Black Country theatrical gem.
Janette Krankie, who this year celebrated 40 years of marriage to partner in comedy crime Ian, lights up the stage with every appearance, whether it’s as Cinderella’s trusty chum Buttons, cheeky Wee Jimmy Krankie, foul-mouthed Ozzy Osbourne or fellow Scottish sensation Susan Boyle, complete with Denis Healey eyebrows and an incontinent cat.
Her ab libs and timing are as sharp as ever. I loved her comment to a weeping Cinderella that “it could be worse, you could be watching Joe Pasquale at the Birmingham Hippodrome” - a reference to the Grand’s West Midlands panto rival.
Janette receives strong support throughout in this excellent show. Neighbours baddie Stefan Dennis hams it up as treacherous Dandini while Danielle York is a sweet Cinders.
Ben Stock and Nathan Kiley get plenty of laughs as ugly sisters Trinny and Susannah, whose over the top costumes would make Gok Wan faint and Nic Greenshields’s Prince Charming is suitably dashing - though very tall!
And I was really impressed by the Midlands’ own Niki Evans, whose bubbly personality shines through in her Fairy Godmother role. She gets the best songs, too.
A fab, festive night out with songs, chuckles and something for all ages. The flying horse that closes act one has to be seen to be believed.
- Teresa Phillips
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