Cinderella’s digital set means Reading can go to the ball

A digital set means the stage is set – quite literally – for the most exciting Hexagon pantomime in years.

Cinderella opens on Saturday, December 7, for a festive run at the Reading theatre, and this year it boasts high-tech scenery that takes the show firmly into the 21st century.

Five banks of screens have been installed in the new sets, meaning the backgrounds can be interactive, following and enhancing the action on stage rather than dictating what happens.

We enjoyed a preview of the show as the cast took part in their final rehearsals, hours before the curtain came up for their debut performance.

Cinderella is once again an Imagine Theatre production for The Hexagon and sees CBeebies superstar Justin Fletcher once again team up with his partner in panto fun, Paul Morse. They play Buttons and the dame, Nanny Gumdrop respectively.

Also returning are Rachel Delooze, Carl Tracey, Rebecca Allingham and Honor O’Neill.

Newcomers to Reading include Samantha Dorrance as Cinderella … and that digital set.

Those worried that this will be a whizz-bang, flashy interloper to the cosy world of panto need not fear – the set is unobtrusive. Audiences entering The Hexagon’s auditorium will at first not realise the backdrop is a series of connected television screens.

And instead of curtains going up and down, with front of cloth padding scenes to allow the team to change the sets around, everything will happen in front of your eyes – including Cinderella’s transformation and the journey to the ball.

How that happens needs to remain a secret for now, as not to spoil the surprises that await, but be assured that the sets have been carefully designed to allow the action to unfold in such a way that the digital goings on enhance the jokes, songs and set pieces on the stage … including the slosh, some favourite songs, and well … that would be telling.  

READ MORE: Pantomimes and festive plays in and around Reading this Christmas

It’s clever stuff and Imagine Theatre have been careful about ensuring it all fits together without undermining the traditions of the genre.

“It will be a real revelation, creating a new dimension to pantomime,” says David Lloyd Jones, Imagine Theatre’s company stage manager.

“It’s quite thrilling. Pantomime is always magical, but the digital sets make it even more magical.”

The digital sets have been designed by Mark Walters, Nina Dunn and PixelLux, who have won awards for their work. And they have been road-tested elsewhere.

David says: “It has been five years since they were first installed in Croydon for a pantomime in a concert hall. It had to be a standalone set, as the venue had no wings.”

Since that inaugural year, Imagine have introduced digital sets in other locations including High Wycombe and Swansea. Reading, a key venue for Imagine, is next on the list.

“The sets work in both traditional theatres and in open spaces… it can work anywhere,” David continues.

“The Hexagon is quite a wide theatre, so people will be able to see the entire set.

“It is the biggest installation The Hexagon has ever had … it is enormous.

“Anyone coming to Reading is seeing the set at its best.”

There are fixed elements to the staging, and there are five banks of screens. From backstage there are carefully constructed banks of screens and cables, set up in a way that makes The Hexagon look as if it is hosting a top pop star, rather than the megastar of CBeebies and his accomplished castmates.

 “The Hexagon is very excited the new set is here,” David says.

“Next year, we will have a digital set for (the next pantomime) Beauty and the Beast, and (the way the technology is being used) will keep on developing. It is an evolving thing.

“It is just magnificent.”

And he is right. Carefully lit, it is vivid and not in the least bit distracting from the magic happening on stage and will enhance the show in ways never seen before.

Pantomime has always moved with the times, while also respecting its traditions – and this year, audiences will have a ball with the new digital set lifting the art to new highs.

Where can I see the digital set for Cinderella at The Hexagon?

Imagine Theatre’s Cinderella will be performed at The Hexagon from Saturday, December 7, through to Sunday, January 5. 

Performance times vary and some shows have already sold out. 

There are relaxed performances, for people with additional needs or prefer a less ‘noisy’ experience. These are on Friday, December 13, and Friday, January 3, at 10.30am. These tickets cost £16.50. 

There are two performances with sign language interpreters. These are planned for Saturday, December 14, at 1pm, and Friday, December 27, at 5pm. 

Tickets cost from £13 for school groups. 

Regular tickets are from £20 to £39, and there are group rates available.

Full details are available on the WhatsonReading.com website, or by calling the box office on 0118 960 6060.