Devon

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinderella-2.jpeg" alt="Le Navete Bete Cinderalla panto at Exeter Northcott " class="wp-image-72300" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinderella-2.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinderella-2-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinderella-2-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinderella-2-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Northcott Theatre/Craig Fuller </figcaption></figure>



The Exeter Northcott Panto Company have joined forces with fabulous local trio, Le Navet Bete, who have been writing, producing and performing Christmas shows in Devon since 2011 &#8211; so they know a thing or two about how to put on this most traditional of family entertainment. 



This performance retained all the traditional comforting familiarity of panto whilst keeping it new and up to date. As we&#8217;d expect from Le Navet Bete, the whole show was fast-paced, energetic and acrobatic. If you&#8217;re a crafter you might need to check your glitter supplies &#8211; I suspect Cinderella has used the entire quotient for the South West. 



The frequent breaking of the’ fourth wall’ was very funny with the naughty quips going straight over the heads of the youngsters, but making the rest of us laugh out loud. Songs were plentiful, of course, but they were modern, even featuring a certain Saylor Twift. Cinderella, although treated badly by her stepmother, remained a strong happy humorous character. No feeble princess needing saving here.  



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-6-1000x667.jpeg" alt="Le Navete Bete Cinderalla panto at Exeter Northcott Craig Fuller " class="wp-image-72297" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-6-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-6-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-6-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-6.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Northcott Theatre/Craig Fuller </figcaption></figure>



Likewise, the famous glass slipper left behind as the clock strikes midnight on the night of the Prince&#8217;s ball was replaced with an infinitely more practical sparkly set of Doc Marten&#8217;s. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinderella-1.jpeg" alt="Le Navete Bete Cinderalla panto at Exeter Northcott Craig Fuller " class="wp-image-72298" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinderella-1.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinderella-1-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinderella-1-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinderella-1-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Northcott Theatre/Craig Fuller </figcaption></figure>



The kids were kept rapt with the physical humour, especially as one of the Ugly Sisters&#8217; stockings was pulled off and went on and on &#8211; and on &#8211; and ended up stretching around the entire perimeter of the theatre. Even the Grinchiest of audience members was laughing when the cast threw snowballs at the audience with many joining in and throwing them back. (If you fancy being super involved you could select seats in the ‘Cinderella Circle’ directly in front of the stage where you will definitely be involved in the jokes and may even get a little wet&#8230;) 



Local references went down particularly well with the audience: the evil stepmother named Countess Weir had the best wicked laugh and a sumptuous costume, and she really encouraged the audience to boo with gusto &#8211; yet wouldn’t give even the tiniest ones nightmares. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-4-1000x667.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-72305" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-4-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-4-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-4-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-4.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Northcott Theatre/Craig Fuller </figcaption></figure>



The down to earth and delightfully un-princely Prince Farming braved the depths of the magical Haldon Forest to save his Kingdom from a permanent freeze and then fell instantly in love with Cinders masquerading as Princess Hay at the ball. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-7.jpeg" alt="Le Navete Bete Cinderalla panto at Exeter Northcott Craig Fuller " class="wp-image-72301" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-7.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-7-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-7-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-7-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Northcott Theatre/Craig Fuller </figcaption></figure>



The costumes were fun and funky, yet characters would still be recognisable to the traditionalists. The hilarious stage presence of Matt Freeman as Fairy Godmother definitely gets the award for the best costume, not least as he managed to perform a very energetic and acrobatic role wearing a nearly 3ft wig! She was fabulous, darling.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-5-1000x667.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-72303" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-5-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-5-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-5-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/cinders-5.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Northcott Theatre/Craig Fuller </figcaption></figure>



The Ugly Stepsisters had a semi-casual schoolgirl look, and were utterly grotesque, tending towards the scatological, and with such brilliantly expressive faces. Space was made in the cast for the delightful role of Cinderella&#8217;s duck friend, Quackers, and played by a number of talented local children. The Northcott works with countless local youngsters hosting workshops and projects throughout the year.



It was such a cheerful, funny and festive experience that I completely understood the feelings of a small child who was looking teary as she and her mother left the Theatre. When her mother asked her: what was wrong? Had she not enjoyed it? She burst into tears announcing: “I just don&#8217;t want to leave.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



Good for: anyone looking for an uplifting, jolly and energetic start to the festive season and suitable for all ages.



Not for: those easily offended by toilet humour &#8211; and perhaps Scrooge?



Book now! <a href="https://exeternorthcott.co.uk/events/cinderella/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cinderella</a> is on at Exeter Northcott Theatre until Sun 5 Jan 2025. Tickets £21.50 &#8211; £69.50; children under 16 £2 off. Running time: 120 minutes, including interval.

Review: Cinderella at Northcott Theatre, Exeter

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