Cinders! Scottish Ballet – Festival Theatre Edinburgh Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Deb Mackenzie
There has been some outrage about Scottish Ballet Cinders! So many people do not like to venture from the traditional fairy tale as they surprise audiences with alternative Cinders; will Cinders be male or female? When I heard this, I was excited and kept wishing that ‘our’ Cinders would be male! It has been a bold and new approach in which the ballet’s chief executive Christopher Hampson is delighted.
The opening act show a bustling and happy Rose family store, which sadly burns down leaving only one whom survived, Cinders. Some years later a new store, Thorne & Co opens; the proprietor the mean Mrs Throne (Aisling Brangan) and her three ghastly children, Flossie, Morag and Tarquin.
My wish came true as Cinders was played by Evan Loudon. The storyline is similar to the traditional fairy tale except with the Princess saving Cinders. In my opinion, it opened a dialogue that is seldom spoken about and that is men can also be degraded and badly treated. This is refreshing and the way the narrative is put forward does not degrade or belittle anyone.
I fell in love with the ghastly children of Mrs Thorne; their outfits were bold, clashing and looked like ill dressed dolls. But they were hilarious! They danced amazingly, as they tumbled, went over, under and flat on their faces, yet in perfect timing and grace. Flossie (Kayla-Maree Tarantolo) stole the show with her rubber legs, jiving and bad dancing; making it look so easy.
The sets and design were simply beautiful as each new scene opened; they had just the right lighting as it enhanced the dancers. The use of special effects and projections in the opening scenes of the fire, made it look extremely life like even to the sparks and ash rising. Then the newspapers headlines announcing the tragedy of the Rose family. Also, the dream scene with Princess Louise lying on a chaise lounge bed, swirling smoke making appear to be in the clouds, as her dream unfolded with her and Cinders dancing romantically. Also, the final scene where the Thorne’s are now out of business and the store restored to a much grander Rose Emporium. It is a Christmas scene with a gorgeous tree that glistens, and everyone is happy; it is magical as it looks like a sparkly card effect. Less is more with the sets, design and lighting, giving it all a touch of elegance.
The live orchestra was splendid. My husband who loves music kept raving about how clear each of the different groups came through, how they all played together bringing each dance and the steps tell its own story. This was first class music and the way it came together was like a blockbuster movie uses as tension, fun and romance all were played out on stage.
As Cinderella is usually a panto over the festive season; this performance was magical, fun and stunning to watch. It is a show for everyone, young and old alike; it is a tale of lows, highs, love and overcoming against all odds.
Rated: 4.5/5
Ages: 5 and up
Tickets: From £12.50 **Ticket price includes a contribution to the theatre development fund which pays for the restoration and upkeep of our theatres. A £1.50 handling charge will be added if you require postage for your tickets.
https://scottishballet.co.uk/whats-on/cinders/.
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
5 – 20 January 2024
His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
24 – 27 January 2024
Eden Court, Inverness
31 January – 3 February 2024
Theatre Royal, Newcastle
7 – 10 February 2024