Cinderella at the Northcott Theatre is pantomime perfection

If the dreary weather and Christmas plans are starting to feel tiresome, why not take a trip to Exeter for a version of Cinderella guaranteed to leave you in hysterics?

Exeter-based physical comedy theatre company Le Navet Bete has teamed up with the Northcott Theatre for the third year to present their highly anticipated annual pantomime this festive season.

Although Le Navet Bete usually tours as a three-man show, this year’s performance features a cast of fifteen, including six child actors sharing the role of Quakers the Duck. The titular character, Cinderella, is played by the irresistibly likeable Nicci Ashford, a former mortgage broker turned professional actress.

For those unaccustomed to pantomimes, the over-the-top, boisterous humour may take a moment to adjust to, but once you do, you’re fully immersed. In this production, Cinderella’s wicked stepmother has plunged “Exeter” into eternal winter.

The set designs are stunning, featuring glittering wintry landscapes enhanced by effective special effects and lighting during scene transitions and musical numbers. The costumes are equally vibrant and flamboyant, with Cinderella trading her traditional rags and glass slippers for orange tights, overalls, and sparkly Dr Martens.

This article lacks the space to address everything that was excellent about this pantomime. 

Le Navet Bete’s founding members, clearly exceptionally talented actors, have also selected an impressive cast from hundreds of auditionees.

In a moment of brilliant uncertainty over whether the audience was watching genuine improv or scripted comedy, Cinderella’s fairy godmother, played by Le Navet Bete founder Matt Freeman, flails on the floor in an Austrian accent wearing broken skis—leaving the audience roaring with laughter.

Clad in pink and wearing a wig the size of a beehive, the fairy godmother is arguably one of, if not the most, memorable characters.

Matt combined acting and physical talents during his performance, appearing at one point on stage riding a giraffe unicycle and later on roller blades.

One of the more chaotic scenes involved all three founding members, two portable “pamper pods,” UV lights, and clouds of shower gel bubbles.

True to the pantomime tradition, cheeky jokes for adults are seamlessly woven into child-friendly humour, achieving an excellent balance. With years of experience in audience participation, Le Navet Bete skilfully combines hilarious individual interactions with crowd-wide engagement. 

Despite being held on a Monday night during the first week of performances, the theatre was almost full—testament to Le Navet Bete’s strong reputation. The camaraderie among the cast is palpable, with actors occasionally breaking character to laugh at each other’s jokes, adding to the fun.

In summary, the cast’s infectious energy matches the audience’s enjoyment, creating a night of unforgettable hilarity.

If you’re willing to brave the occasionally frustrating parking at Exeter University’s Streatham Campus, don’t miss the chance for an evening of laughter, children dressed as ducks, glamour, and West Country accents.