![](https://www.sardinesmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Brian-Conley-as-Buttons-scaled.webp)
Show: Cinderella
Society: New Victoria Theatre (professional productions)
Venue: New Victoria Theatre. The Ambassadors, The Peacocks Centre, Woking, Surrey GU21 6GQ
Credits: By Michael Harrison and Brian Conley. Presented by Crossroads Pantomimes.
Type: Sardines
Performance Date: 06/12/2022
Cinderella
The one and only Brian Conley as Buttons
I tell you what, I hope Brian Conley doesn’t get ill during this run or they’ll have little choice but to cancel a number of performances. Such is the size of his part in Woking’s pantomime this year. He’s even credited with 50% of the writing too.
In the same style as Shane Richie or Bradley Walsh (the latter gets a mention), Conley rules this stage. I last saw him some years ago at New Wimbledon Theatre in Barnham. Beck then he told me in so many words that the pay is irrisistable, That was at least five years ago, maybe longer. Now older, and with a regular role on EastEnders nowadays (hom not me), I got to speak with the panto king again… but you’ll need to subscribe to read that one.
Back to this year’s festive treat and Conley is in his element. Away from the depression of Albert Square, he must be so relieved to play at this crazy genre in the evening; well, it must pay the tax bill, or pay for Christmas at least. Last year Gok Wan starred on the same stage and I remember he told me that he has learned the most about performing panto from Brian Conley. I just feel sorry for the others on the stage who must find it difficult to get a lookin. Even the Ugly Sisters, Ben Stock (Tess) and Neal Wright (Claudia), were reduced to laughter on press night when ‘Buttons’ decided to heve sime fun. “Brian! Who’s Brian?” he said after Ben Stock accidentally used his real name onstage.
In another show the ‘Uglies’ would be the stars but not in Woking, not this year.
And I bet he’s counting the years too. Now grey (or Silver Fox), Conley is arguably old enough to be Cinderella’s grandfather but in panto anything goes (thank goodness) so when he confesses his love for her to the audience, nobody bats an eyelid. Just as well because Sarah Vaughan is a stunner! in the title role, as is Jenny Gaynor as Fairy Godmother. Both females get to make the most of the time just before the interval in the fabulous and magical transformation scene.
Elsewhere Steve Leeds and Samuel Wilson-Freeman do well as Dandono and Prince Charming respectively but with the crowd waiting to see Buttons again, then you just have to resort to the story, which isn’t a bad thing.
Cinderella is at New Victoria Theatre Woking until 31 December. Catch the king of panto while you can.