Cinderella at the Rose Theatre in Kingston is a fun-filled reimagining of the panto and fairy tale favourite.
OUR VERDICT
Mark Douet
As you would expect from the innovative riverside venue, this adaptation by writers Chris Bush and Roni Neale — with original songs by Matt Winkworth — and directed by Owen Horsley, blends just the right amount of old-school panto tropes: Ugly Sisters, pumpkins and sadistic step-mothers with plenty of ‘youth speak’, irony and side-eye ensuring the show will keep audiences of all ages highly entertained.
The show opens on Christmas Eve, where ‘difficult’ teenager Ella is bemoaning the fact that Christmas with her dad, his new wife and twin babies is not the Christmas she wants. Ella sees Lilith, by all accounts a measured, supportive step-mum, as the root of all her adolescent angst, imposing her vegan virtues and thrift-shop sensibilities on the whole family.
But while Ella goes off to sulk, three fairies appear, charged with adding a bit more sparkle to the season. And so with the help of Ruby, Saphire and Cubic Zirconia, her best friend Buttons, three cheese-mad mice and the most fabulous feline you will ever meet, Ella is transported to Kingstown where not only does she instantly fall in love, but she also learns, after losing her prince charming and being forced to spend a whole year away from those who love her most, to appreciate the value of family and that, as we all know, there is no place like home.
Mark Douet
It is part of the Rose’s Christmas show charm that the production is a mix of professional actors and members of its young companies - and what a talented bunch they all are.
Sharing the run between two squads, I watched the Green team in action. The star of the show was undoubtedly Jack Fernie as the sophisticated cat Mr Bingles. Alternating between non-plussed puss, the pope and the mayor (you will understand once you see it), young Jack delivered a fabulous performance throughout.
Ella (played by Maddy Hunter), captured all the frustration of a teen on the cusp of adulthood who knows in her heart she is not yet ready to make that final leap. Her high-energy output also portrayed the heightened elation youngsters feel when something goes right, and we (as parents) are allowed to bask in their euphoria.
Mark Douet
The supporting roles delivered some standout performances too, namely Kara Lily Hayworth, who was equally excellent as Ella’s stepmother Lileth and the scheming Lady Dungeness in the world of Kingstown. Twin stepsisters (Hannah Akhalu and Corrina Buchan as Snotterella and Grotterella) bring energy and a raucous mischief to the show - and their duet ‘If the Show Fits’ is a definite highlight.
It is also worth giving a mention to the clever set of super sparkly costumes, which were all created by Ryan Dawson Laight.
If you are looking for a festive show that stays well clear of double entendre and corny versions of pop songs, then this warm-hearted, witty and well-produced piece of theatre is definitely for you.
