Sinderfella! adapts its title from a Jerry Lewis movie of 1960, but other than that it has no relation to the original. In fact, this is a show that borrows almost everything from elsewhere; its songs are recycled and the humour lacks originality. While the production is billed as an adult panto, it is actually neither – not a panto and not really adult. It is a series of show tunes and pop songs which are hung out to dry on the washing line of the Cinderella story. There is no real plot or theme, and for the most part the songs have not been adapted to humorous ends or to support any narrative. For appeal, the show depends on the audience's nostalgia and affection for tunes like "It's Raining Men" or "Get Me To The Church On Time," and it simply becomes a sing-along. These musical moments are interspersed with comedy segments that struck us as far from adult. The humour is reminiscent of that in any school yard full of ten year olds. The sexual innuendos are neither new nor clever. The old "gun in your pocket" line of Mae West is recycled a few times and the tired sex puns didn't even merit a groan. There's also lots of pelvis gyrating and tongue waggling, plus familiar audience put-downs like the hackneyed 'I'm-gonna-sit-on-your-face' line. The highpoint of the evening is the singing of Luna Cortez as Sinderfella and that of her co-star, Connor McGrane, as Prince Charming. Unfortunately however, these moments can't save what is really a rather trite and tired drag show. There's nothing particularly fresh or imaginative here, and Sinderfella! is just another show desperately in need of a writer.
Rated: ★
Reviewed by J.C.
Image: Luna Cortez as Sinderfella, 2022.
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