The 2008-2009 Committee ended the first term with a colourful legal twist on the classic pantomime "Cinderella".
Written by Co-President Ciorsdan Darby, with the help of Publicity Officer Julia Muraszkiewicz, the play ran for around 40minutes. The audience amused themselves before and after with complimentary mulled wine and mince pies.
In addition to writing and directing the play, creating some of the posters, and the programme, Ciorsdan added some traditional thigh slapping fun as the gender-confused Peter Pan.
Avnish Chopra, also Co-President, provided the pantomime's love interest. Possibly for the first time ever, Buttons won the heart of our heroine. Not just happy to deliver mail on time, Buttons convinced the Fairy to help her deprived godmother, and even had time for some filing.
Joshua Tomlin, looked stunning in two different styles of green wig, green high heels, and a beautiful glittering dress. If Cinderella had attended the typical fairytale shindig instead of an Advocacy Day, guests would be hard pressed to choose between her and her godmother when choosing the bell of the ball. Fortunately, the legal take on the story prevented such problems.
Of course you can not have a Pantomime about Cinderella, no matter how adapted, without the leading lady. Somewhat ironically the role of downtrodden Cindi, tied into a hideous training contract by her evil stepmother, went to Heeran Caselton, a real life trainee solicitor. Heeran joined the Inner Temple while still a law student, but we forgive her for "selling her soul", and her solicitor friends seemed to enjoy the pantomime as much as the more Bar orientated members of the audience.
Every Pantomime needs a good villain, Ciorsdan was delighted when she heard Jennifer Agyekum audition. Petite and perfectly evil, Ernesta Vilstep of E.Vilstep Mothers' Solicitors' Firm was the villain we all love to hate, and I don't just mean a solicitor.
As already mentioned, Buttons ended up with Cinderella. So what of the Prince I hear you cry? Judge Prince was played by GDL student Joe Newton. Joe grew very fond of his wig during the performance, he may be carving himself a position as Pantomime Dame for teh next Pantomime. He said the hair helped him get into character, well it certainly worked, his gestures and tone received continuous laughter. While the 2007 pantomime director was strict about the amount of wine that could be drunk before the performance, this year's director was quite adamant that the judge should have real wine as a prop.
Social Secretary, turned Committee Seamstress, Camille Dore made an amazing red cape and Peter Pan's hat for the production, her talents clearly don't stop at either law nor acting.
Vikki Orton, Co-President of 2007-2008, revised her role of Dorothy providing some inside jokes for anyone foolhardy or loyal enough to have attended both this and last year's pantos. Her main interaction was with Andi Person, played by Julia Muraszkiewicz. Andi by name and nature, she was both an efficient member of the Education and training Department and a Special Constable.
Nancy Marsh proved that it's good to be bad. After playing the Wicked Witch in the QC of OZ, sh continued her villainous streak this year, although this time in the dizzy, intellectually-challenged, superficial form of evil step sister Enda Vilstep. With her pupillage already secured, it is clear Nancy can act! Despite her appearance being likened to Amy Winehouse, Nancy remained coherant and professional throughout.
Fortunately, Committee Treasurer Sarah Bafadhel, proved to be the smarter of the two evil sisters. Of course casting was not based on any likeness between Sarah and Edna Vilstep, nonetheless the Committee are pleased their money is more savvy hands.
A big thank you needs to be extended to everyone involved.