Sinderfella

Over the years the Alternative Pantomime has become a bit of a local tradition in Brighton.
The sad passing of it’s founder Brian Ralfe last year left many wondering if it had a future.
They needn’t have worried as 2016 has seen two pantos of this kind come to the Brighton stage.
The second of those has nested down in the comfortable surroundings of the Sallis Benney Theatre.
For those unfamiliar with the format it has all the makings of a normal panto with a few surprises along the way – not least in some of the blue humour used and the majority of the cast made up of drag queens.
If your heart is not faint, this is a great way to spend an evening.
Jason Sutton is excellent as the lead character of Sinderfella, as she searches for her true love while there are excellent cameos from Dave Lynn and Lola Lasagne as The Ugly Sisters.
If there was a criticism it was that the first act did fall a little flat at times with all the songs and there were a few sound issues.
But this was more than made up for some moments of comedy genius – such as Sinderfella’s journey to the ball taking place on a mobility scooter – which left most wiping tears of laughter away from the corner of their eyes.
Brian may be gone but his spirit lives on in this fabulous production from some fabulous performers at the top of their game.
Enjoy it while you can.

Sallis Benney Theatre, Brighton, February 4

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