Spot On Productions 
The Point, Eastleigh 
Jade Morrell 
10 January 2026
I decided for this review it felt fitting to take my 5-year-old son to see Cinderella by Spot On Productions at The Point in Eastleigh, and as someone who’s learned very quickly that he’s a very honest little panto critic, this production delivered on many of the things that make pantomime such a beloved theatre tradition.
From the moment the curtain went up, the visuals were fabulous, the set designs and costumes helped create a magical world of ‘Stoneybroke’ and beyond. The talented ensemble brought warmth and energy to the stage embracing the fun, silly and interactive spirit that an ensemble needs. We were laughing, clapping and enthusiastically joining in with the traditional calls and responses, proof that the show hit all the right notes for its target audience. Noah Clayton-Hart worked so hard as Buttons for those audience responses, and he did really well to get the crowds going. Considering it was his debut panto, Noah has a promising performing future.
Director Alick Leech cast each principal role with a good eye, bringing together a strong story telling team. At times, however, it felt as though a little more character workshopping or slightly more rehearsal time might have helped hone the timing of certain entrances and line deliveries, as there were a few noticeable pauses here and there. That said, the seasoned professionals in the cast were adept at ad-libbing when needed, so a shout out to Adam Rush, Noah Collingwood and Lizzie Bewley for smoothing over those moments with confidence and keeping the audience engaged. We loved the ‘blue wig’ moment! Its panto, remember, and live theatre is always unpredictable!
Of course, it wouldn’t be Cinderella without a transformation, and one visual moment that was a real treat was Cinderella’s carriage and horse seemingly suspended mid-air as she goes to the ball … a striking effect that lent an extra sense of wonder and spectacle to the show. Immy Perrin looked magical up there as she sang ‘Power in Me’ heartfelt and assured.
My little one loved Bodget and Leggett, played by Charlotte d’Arcy and Chloe Manners. They were totally animated and put a real ‘Chuckle Brothers’ characterisation on the roles; it was great to see both landing all the jokes superbly. I enjoyed the Fairy Godmother (Fairy G) played by Emily McSpirit; she brought charm and presence to the stage, and her glitzy costume sparkled, exactly what you want from such an iconic panto character. Whilst on the subject of costumes though, they were generally lovely, colourful and the finale costumes were giving total pink flamboyance, but I did notice that a few members of the ensemble didn’t seem to have quite the level of theatrical make‑up I might have expected in a panto, big is always best!? That’s a small detail in an otherwise lively and engaging production, but something that could add an extra touch of polish in future shows.
A particular highlight was the live band led by Musical Director, Howard Corbett, whose lively and polished accompaniment elevated every scene. Their musical energy kept the pace moving and gave the whole production an extra layer of professionalism that truly enhanced the experience.
For a January family afternoon out, Spot On Productions’ Cinderella is a lovely reminder of why pantomime remains a cherished family theatre tradition; it’s full of genuine magic that will keep audiences of all ages entertained. If you’re looking for a fun weekend trip out or simply want to see where this local company is heading next, it’s well worth snapping up a ticket. And according to my toughest little critic? He’ll be giving it two enthusiastic thumbs up all weekend!
