Cinderella

This is BMCC’s centenary year, and they wanted to mark the occasion with a very special production. I haven’t yet seen any amateur companies perform this show, but I have very fond memories of the film. As a theatre kid, I watched it countless times, pretending to be Cinderella down in the cellar. Because of that, my overall feeling throughout the evening was one of pure nostalgia.

As part of the celebrations, BMCC brought in a 20-piece orchestra, which was absolutely beautiful. It’s something we rarely get the opportunity to experience nowadays, and it added such richness and atmosphere to the performance. I loved every moment of it.

The set design was kept relatively simple and quite minimal, a fringe curtain, two shaped flats which when turned revealed 2 curved staircases, the one stage left incorporated the fireplace for Cinderella’s cellar. This all provided some nice height variations and entrances /exits. Other pieces of stage furniture were brought on by cast and crew to distinguish scenes. On the whole, this all was very well rehearsed and smoothly carried out. I liked the staircases but did wonder if poor Cinderella need to enter that way so many times, those stairs felt a little precarious. The transformation to the coach was really well-handled and very effective.

The direction was very cleverly thought out to use the space as effectively as possible. There were moments when I felt that when setting up the next scene especially behind the fringe curtain, was a little distracting but understood the need to keep the pace up. I also questioned the inclusion of the ensemble at the end of the Stepmother/Stepsisters song “A lovely Night” it felt a little unnecessary but appreciate the desire to include everyone in a large group as much as possible. I really liked the idea of the puppet animals; however, they were a little small (and we were in the 3rd row) I think slightly larger puppets would have enabled them to really come to life.

As previously mentioned, the 20-piece orchestra were a joy. There were moments when we lost some of the dialogue, particularly with the under scored moments, but despite that the balance was good throughout. Sound as mentioned was well balanced and cue’d well, the only slight issue was as previously mentioned during the underscoring where we lost some dialogue and a few early microphone issues were quickly and efficiently addressed.

The lighting worked in tandem with the set, both dark and pretty minimalist. This was a bold concept and was well-executed overall (if a little too dark at the back at the top of the Staircase). It certainly worked well for the down-trodden Cinderella scenes and created an underlying sense of unease. If this was the intention, good as it was, it did feel at odds with a large Orchestra, Rogers and Hammerstein’s full score and the more celebratory parts of the production and the Centenary overall.

I always look forward to the choreography with this group and wasn’t disappointed. Highlights being “The Prince Is Giving A Ball” and the ball scenes with some very clever choreography, I liked the freeze moments and the switching of partners, very well thought out. 

The costume design was also lovely throughout, of period and in -keeping with the style. I particularly liked the colour theme for the Stepmother and Stepsisters, which worked well. Wigs and make-up all looked great as well. Properties, where used were as they should be.

In Reviewing the Principal Characters:

Cinderella: a sweet and gentle performance that was perfectly suited to the role. Your lovely soprano voice complemented Cinderella beautifully, and the relationship between you and the Prince felt warm and believable throughout.

Prince Christopher: you have a lovely tone and quality to your vocals, which really suited the romantic nature of the role, try to relax a little more in your posture and allow your movements to feel more natural, as at times you looked slightly tense on stage.

Fairy Godmother:  you gave a wonderfully commanding performance, exactly as the role requires. You have fantastic stage presence and a truly beautiful voice and made the most of every opportunity given.

Stepmother, Grace, and Joy you made a strong trio, playing off one another throughout. “A Lovely Night” with Cinderella was a particular highlight for me, full of energy, and humour. 

Lionel: you showed some excellent comedy timing, drawing every possible laugh from the script. Your performance was hugely enjoyable. Well done.

King Maximillian  and Queen Constantina  were another wonderful partnership on stage. The Queen was graceful and poised throughout, while I really enjoyed the comedy and characterisation brought to the King.

As always, the energy and enthusiasm within the company shone through from beginning to end. BMCC is one of the few companies I visit where every single member appears to be genuinely enjoying themselves, with beaming smiles throughout the performance. The dancing was delightful, poised, and elegant, and I particularly liked the focus of the puppeteers, who were fully immersed in bringing their puppet characters to life.

Congratulations to all involved.

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