Audiences describe Parr Hall panto as “best ever”

Families across Warrington have been enjoying a little festive magic this New Year as the Parr Hall panto returns to town. 

This year’s production told the timeless tale of Cinderella; a young girl who lives with her father Baron Hardup and two ugly stepsisters.

One day, an invitation arrives to a glittering ball at the palace but Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters conspire to steal her ticket and stop her going to the ball.

However, hope is at hand as Cinderella’s friend Buttons and her Fairy Godmother work their magic to get her to the ball, where she finally meets her Prince Charming.

But as the clock strikes midnight, the magic begins to wane and Cinderella must race back home, but in her haste leaves behind her silver slipper.

Jam-packed with laugh-out-loud humour and sing-along songs, this year’s production proved to be a huge success, with audiences taking to social media to praise the show.

One Facebook follower said: “We came yesterday and it was the best panto we’ve ever seen! Well done to you all!”.

Another follower wrote: “Fantastic! We had a wonderful afternoon. Our little four-year-old grandson fell off his seat laughing!”.

Audiences were full of praise for the production, giving special mentions to the hilarious cast and magnificent dancers from the Felicia Burns School of Dance.

One American visitor, Catherine Allison, is a regular at the Parr Hall panto and was delighted by this year’s performance.

She said: “I’ve come all the way from Los Angeles to see Cinderella at Parr Hall and this production is fantastic – I couldn’t be more impressed. I think everybody should come and see this panto because it’s genius.

“The Ugly Sisters, everybody – Buttons – tell me about it, he’s excellent!”.

As part of the seasonal goodwill, Culture Warrington also donated 100 tickets to Wired Young Carers.

Fiona Jenkins, Wired Young Carers Service Manager, said: “Culture Warrington Charitable Trust kindly donated 100 free pantomime tickets to see Cinderella to Wired Young Carers and families.  It was a lovely surprise after a busy Christmas.  Young Carers commented that they thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the pantomime.”