Thursday, December 13, 2012

Nickelodeon UK Presenter Jamie Rickers To Star As 'Buttons' In Malvern Theatres 2012 Pantomime Production Of "Cinderella"

According to the following news article from the Hereford Times, Nickelodeon UK presenter Jamie Rickers will be starring in Malvern Theatres 2012 pantomime production of 'Cinderella' as the character 'Buttons', which will run at Malvern Theatres in Worcestershire from Thursday 13th December 2012 until Sunday 6th January 2013:
Cinderella opens at Malvern Theatres

Jamie Rickers, Emma Nowell and Ruth Madoc

THE Christmas season arrives at Malvern Theatres tonight (Thursday) as this year’s panto, the classic Cinderella opens.

The perennial favourite stars CITV and Nickelodeon presenter Jamie Rickers as Buttons, Hi-de-Hi's Ruth Madoc as Fairy Godmother and Hi-5's Emma Nowell as Cinderella, plus the sensational Shetland Ponies and the stars of the Great Malvern Christmas lights switch on – the Ugly Sisters Bobbie Kent and Anthony West – in an unmissable panto feast.

Presented by UK Productions – one of the most prolific musical and pantomime producers in the country – you can expect exquisite costumes, enchanting sets, music, dance, fun and laughter in this festive family treat.

Cinderella runs until January 6. To book, call the box office on 01684 892277

book online now
Malvern Theatres.
Also, from the official Malvern Theatres website, malverntheatres-px.rtrk.co.uk:
UK Productions proudly present
Cinderella
A family pantomime for Christmas
Starring Ruth Madoc, Jamie Rickers and Emma Nowell

Welcome to the Malvern Theatres Spectacular Family Pantomime, starring Ruth Madoc (Hi-de-Hi and Little Britain) as the Fairy Godmother, Nickelodeon's Jamie Rickers as Buttons and Hi-5's Emma Nowell as Cinderella, plus the Sensational LIVE Shetland Ponies.

PERFORMANCES

December

Thurs 13th – 7pm *
Fri 14th – 1.30pm & 7pm *
Sat 15th – 2.30pm & 7pm
Sun 16th – 1pm & 5pm
Mon 17th – 1.30pm & 7pm *
Tues 18th – NO PERFORMANCES
Wed 19th - 10.15am & 2.15pm *
Thurs 20th – 1.30pm & 7pm *
Fri 21st – 1.30pm & 7pm *
Sat 22nd – 2.30pm & 7pm
Sun 23rd – 1pm & 5pm
Mon 24th - 1pm & 5pm
Tues 25th – NO PERFORMANCES
Wed 26th – 2pm & 6pm
Thurs 27th – 2pm & 6pm
Fri 28th – 2pm & 6pm
Sat 29th – 2.30pm & 7pm
Sun 30th – 1pm &5pm
Mon 31st – 2.30pm

January
Tues 1st – NO PERFORMANCES
Wed 2nd – 2.30pm & 7pm
Thurs 3rd – 2.30pm & 7pm
Fri 4th – 2.30pm & 7pm
Sat 5th - 2.30pm & 7pm
Sun 6th – 1pm

PRICES
* Special price performances - All seats £8.50

£22, £19, £16
£17, £14, £11

£2 off Over 60s/ Unwaged
Under 16s £5 off
Groups of 10 or more 10% off
From 13th December To 6th January
Times See above for times
Prices £22, £19, £16. £17, £14, £11. Special price days, all seats £8.50
Concessions £2 off over 60’s/ Unwaged , Under 16s £5 off; Groups of 10 or more 10% off * No Concessions or Discounts on Special Price Days.
Venue Festival Theatre
Genre Childrens
Book Online
Also, from The Good Review:
Cinderella – Malvern Theatre

★★★★ [4 out of 5 Stars]

By Helen and Garry McWilliams

The magic of panto and indeed one of the best fairy tales ever written (in our opinion) was brought to life in Malvern, last night.

With its mixture of past, current and some original music, two live Shetland ponies and ten costume changes a piece for the Ugly Sisters – this was a production of Cinderella that undoubtedly had it all.

The glamorous ‘Fairy Godmother’ was played by the ever popular Ruth Madoc. Fresh out of Calendar Girls and back in pantomime after a three year break , she was a ‘matriarch’ to be treasured and ably raised the roof with the enthusiastic audience members within the first few minutes.

‘Hi-5’ presenter Emma Nowell played the title role with sweet gentility and she has an amazing singing voice. Coupled with Owen Thompson’s ‘Prince Charming’ who by all accounts likes to get down ‘Gangnam Style’(!) they were a leading pair of an extremely high standard.

Comedy was there in abundance from the Ugly Sisters: Gaga (Bobbie Kent) and Gertie (Anthony West) the latter unwittingly chose Garry to be his ‘love interest’ throughout the performance, much to Garry’s delight! We only hope that Gertie’s boyfriends are all as interactive… The programme mentions that they have received the accolade of ‘possibly being the best Ugly Sisters in the business’ – we wouldn’t argue with that. They have wonderful chemistry and any pantomime company would be lucky to have them.

Don Crann also entertained as ‘Baron Hardup’ with a dry and quick wit.

Having watched and appeared in a number of pantomimes between us in the past, this was the first time we had seen ‘Dandini’ portrayed as a comedy character part. It worked brilliantly and Bobby Windebank who took the role is one to watch out for. A special mention must go to the rendition of ‘Me and My Shadow’ with ‘Prince Charming’ and it appears that ‘Dandini’ also goes in for a spot of ‘Gangnam Style’!

The set was impressive, all that we would expect from pantomime scenery with a beautiful coach for Cinderella’s journey to the Ball. Isn’t it amazing what one can do with a pumpkin? Pulling the coach were two white Shetland Ponies who stole the show during their cameo appearance.

We particularly liked the finale song choice of ‘Love is in the Air’, one of the last songs we expected to hear, yet one of the most apt for the story. We feel that the Director, Scott Richie has put together a happy team who have delivered the magical experience that ‘kids’ of all ages appreciate and we would be keen to see his work again in the future.

“Have we missed anybody out? Who? Buttons? No, we mentioned him didn’t we?!” - Jamie Rickers from ‘Nickelodeon’ is the best ‘Button’s that we have ever had the pleasure of watching. He is pure comedy genius and a fantastic all-round entertainer. Need we say more?

Cinderella runs at the Malvern Theatre until Sunday 6th January 2013, for more information or to book tickets please visit the website www.malverntheatres.co.uk. This is a pantomime not to be missed.

Tags: Anthony West, Bobbie Kent, Bobby Windebank, Cinderella, Don Crann, Emma Nowell, Jamie Rickers, Malvern Theatre, Owen Thompson, Panto, Ruth Madoc, Scott Richie