This refreshing take on the classic fairytale is heartwarming – but lacking in jokes to keep it fun and light.
It has to be said that the Rose Theatre in Kingston always manages to offer a refreshing take on a classic story to offer a new perspective that beautifully combines the work of adult actors along with a collobration with some of the young performers from the Rose Youth Company.
In this adaptation of the classic fairytale by Chris Bush and Roni Neale, the story takes place in the modern day with a distinctively stroppy teen Ella frustrated with her family Christmas plans – now stuck with her dad, his new wife and their newborn twins (who she nicknames ‘Snotty’ and ‘Grotty’. With the help of three fairies, she is soon transported to a fantasy land King’s Town in which she meets a variety of characters who soon make Ella realise what she is missing by not being at home.
Bush and Neale’s adaptation is refreshing in the way it changes the perspective of the relationship between stepmother and stepdaughter (although in the fantasy moments the wicked stepmother is still as villainous as ever but makes Ella appreciate who she has for her at home). To see the way in which Ella’s relationship with Lilith changes is really heartwarming than any typical romance with the prince is.
However, what the show does lack is strong enough jokes to keep the audience entertained and there are moments that feel just overly serious. Yes the character development is there but it just needs to bring out the silliness a little bit more to keep younger audiences feel completely invested. The standout moments in which endearing silliness emerge are more in display in the second act – such as when Snoterella and Grotterella are fighting over Ella’s misplaced shoes and using them to attract Prince Chadley’s attention (whose condition means he struggles to recognise people) being one such moment.
Meanwhile, Matt Winkworth’s pop infused songs are suitably catchy and will certainly leave the children in the audience singing along by the end – including the danceable ‘Where Does the Time Go?’ and the surprisingly emotional ‘The Witching Hour’ that perfectly captures how a step parent must feel in entering a new family and trying to create a bond with your partner’s existing child. It is really profound moment in the show, performed exquisitely by Kara Lily Hayworth as Lilith.
Elsewhere, there is a wonderful attention to detail through Ryan Dawson Laight’s costume design that really dazzles in many different ways and reflects the modern nature of the characters as well as their personalities. I also loved the creativity of the set to transform Ella’s world from reality to fantasy and back again with ease – but it also could be said that more could have been made of the Rose’s expansive stage.
Throughout it all, it is clear that the cast are having a ball (did you see what I did there?) and there are plenty of standout performances. On the night, we had the Green Team of Rose Young performers and it has to be said that Jack Fernie as the aloof cat Mr Bingles playing the role so regally it is impossible to resist, as is Dylan Corchete-Quan and Louie McKillop as the Prince’s knights.
Meanwhile, Maddy Hunter showcases Ella’s character arc with great understanding that keeps the audience invested in the outcome of her story, Kara Lily Hayworth as Lilith and Lady Dungeness showcases wonderful versatility that showcases her depth and range perfectly. Joaquin Pedro Valdes is wonderfully endearing as Prince Chadley, with Hannah Akhalu as Snoterella and Corrina Buchan as Groterella offering a mischievous nature to proceedings that certainly put plenty of smiles on the audiences faces.
Running at two hours long including an interval, there is room to develop this show further and not just simply as a Christmas show to put extra depth into the plot and characters. In its current form, it is a refreshing take on a classic fairytale but could use a bit more humour to lift it up just a touch more.
By Emma Clarendon
Cinderella continues to play at the Rose Theatre until the 4th January.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️