South Yorkshire Times – Friday 17 February 1933

Excellent Production of Cinderella

The Thurnscoe St. Helen’s Sunday School are to be complimented on the excellent production of “Cinderella,” four performances of which were given on Friday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to crowded audiences.

Their success was primarily due to the work cf Mrs. M. Williams, the Sunday School superintendent who produced the pantomime, augmented by’ that of willing helpers in the school.

The performance gave as two and a half hours of fun and music and the pantomime had a delightful freshness to the end In every respect it was a surprisingly polished show. The acting and singing of the cast, none of whom was over fourteen years of age, was of notable quality. The principals ware happily chosen, and the work of the chorus was also good.

We had three dainty immortals by Alice Scott, Bessie Roper and Doreen Key, who, supported by a Fairy chorus gave a charming background to the several scenes. Bessie Birchen (Cinderella) and Betty Bateman (Prince Charming) were a delightful pair: and in amusing contrast were the Ugly Sisters (Stanley Dale and Joe Simpson). Florrie Brown and Mabel Oades were effective as Baron and Baroness, and excellent fun was provided by the Head Cook (Charles Smith), aided by Harry Pepper, Billy Bateman, Derick Spink, Bobby Woodruff and Billy Gough.

The settings, which were the work of Mr. R. C. Lodge, were cleverly done. The Palice “set’ had a truly regal effect, and was greatly helped by the costumes. These were colourful and dainty, and the work of parents under the supervision of Mrs. Harry Simpson and Mrs. G. E. Bateman. The music, supplied by Miss I. McKenning, Mr. Hoddle and Mr. Harwood, was pleasing and helped the singing and dancing. Mr. S. Chiltern and Mr. W. Swift were efficient stage managers. Limelights were lent by Mr. W. H. Saxton (Goldthorpe).

“Cinderella” has indeed proved “everybody’s favourite” at Thurnscoe this week. The outstanding feature of the show was its thoroughness in detail. The proceeds were for the Sunday School..