Sinderella Live

Sinderella Live, a bawdy pantomime filmed during the sellout 1995 nationwide tour, offers a wildly irreverent take on the classic fairy tale of Cinderella, with a healthy dose of British pantomime sensibilities and a dash of off-color humor. Pantomime veteran Jim Davidson takes on the role of the irrepressible Widow Twankey, Cinderella's zany mother who has lost her fortunes and her husband, but not her wit or her sharp tongue. The Widow Twankey is a master of quick-witted banter and saucy innuendo, using her cunning and her charm to manipulate those around her and snag an invitation to the Royal Ball. Meanwhile, the lovelorn Cindy (played by actress and model Michelle Gayle) dreams of attending the ball with her prince, but her wishes are constantly dashed by her wicked stepmother, Dolly Levi (played by actress and singer, Toyah Willcox), and her two spoiled daughters, Anastasia and Drizella. As the story unfolds, Cindy finds herself swept up in a series of outrageous misadventures, including a hilarious encounter with a befuddled Fairy Godmother (played by actress and singer, Carol Lee Scott) who can't quite remember what she's supposed to be doing. Throughout the pantomime, the cast delivers a series of side-splitting send-ups of classic musical numbers, including a bawdy version of "Happily Ever After" and a saucy "In My Dreams." The Widow Twankey's antics in particular are the stuff of which comedy legend is made, as she winks at the audience, tosses off sassy wisecracks and gets herself into all manner of risqué scrapes. Jim Davidson's Widow Twankey is the true star of Sinderella Live, a scene-stealing performance that's a masterclass in pantomime mayhem. With his sharp wit, quick reflexes and boundless energy, Davidson brings the house down with each successive iteration of his character's signature "Hello, sailor" gag. As for Michelle Gayle, she acquits herself nicely in the leading role of Cindy, bringing a charming vulnerability and a sweet singing voice to the proceedings. Gayle has a particularly funny encounter with a glass shoe that gets stuck on her foot, allowing her to milk the gag for all it's worth. While Sinderella Live may not be to every viewer's taste, fans of British pantomime comedy and off-color humor will find much to love in this rambunctious take on the classic fairy tale. With its luscious sets, catchy music, and a talented cast full of energy and enthusiasm, this pantomime is a true classic of its kind. The film's biggest asset, however, is its sheer verve and vitality. Sinderella Live captures the raw energy of a live pantomime performance with its many musical numbers, physical comedy sketches and off-the-cuff gags. The audience participation is infectious, with many of the actors clearly improvising on the spot to great comedic effect. Sinderella Live also offers plenty of nostalgic charm for those who grew up attending British pantomimes as children. The film's nostalgic feel is enhanced by a series of loving homages to classic pantomime traditions, including a rousing rendition of "If I Weren't Such a Good-looker, I'd Be a Dead-looker" that's pure gold. In short, Sinderella Live is the perfect antidote to the bland, soulless family entertainment that passes for modern fairy tale fare. This outrageous take on Cinderella is a raunchy, irreverent blast from the past that's guaranteed to leave even the most skeptical viewer in stitches.