Scottish Ballet Cinderella at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh Review

Reviewed by Emily Crombie

Scottish Ballet’s production of Cinderella opened at the Festival Theatre last night (8 December 2018) as it starts its winter tour across Scotland and the North of England. A full house audience fell in love with the colourful and charismatic characters within the classic story.

Cinderella was devised by Christopher Hampson, who is currently Artistic Director for Scottish Ballet, for the Royal New Zealand ballet in 2007. The music by Sergei Prokofiev is performed by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra and conducted by Jean-Claude Picard.

Following the traditional story of Cinderella, after losing her mother Cinderella becomes a servant little more than a servant to her stepmother and two stepsisters. With the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella manages to attend the Prince’s ball. When the clock strikes midnight, the magic wears off and she has to return home to her rags but on her way, she loses a shoe. This is found by the Prince who is determined to find his princess and he has every girl in the land try on the shoe until he find the one who it fits.

Cinderella was beautifully portrayed by Sophie Martin, we were fascinated to read about the number of point shoes used. The stepsisters, Kayla-Maree Tarantolo and Grace Horler, were very funny, their expressions were hilarious!

Cinderella is beautifully staged by Tracy Grant Lord and is a lovely show for all the family. With two intervals, the show has a total length of 2 hours 20 minutes.

I attended with my nine-year-old daughter who was mesmerized and fascinated how the story could be told without words! We sat in the dress circle where we had an excellent view of the stage and also the orchestra.

The Festival Theatre is on Nicolson Street a short walk from Waverley Station and Princes Street.

Cinderella runs at the Festival Theatre until the 30th December and continues to tour until February. Scottish Ballet’s Cinderella is an uplifting way to celebrate the festive season for all the family.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £18.50 to £45.50 (booking fees may apply).

Scottish Ballet Cinderella is at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh from 8-30 December 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.capitaltheatres.com or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.

Festival Theatre, 13/29 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9FT | 0131 529 6000