CINDERELLA GOES ALL INCLUSIVE

Firstly I have to pay tribute to the writer for pursuing his ambition of writing and getting on stage a Cinderella story with several plot twists, but the main one being that the main character is played by a wheelchair user, this was achieved after a long search, and therefore this production was the first ever where Cinderella was played by a person genuinely in a wheelchair.  The lib was cleverly written, and the various plot twists were noted.  There was a back story for Dame Choux (who knew about Cinderella’s mother), and several other background details that provided for a more rounded out story.

The Cinderella story had to be adapted to suit a Cinderella who couldn’t undertake a transformation scene, and the way it was done was very clever, and incorporated characters who were not exactly as we expected them to be, which was extremely challenging.

Technically good, and musically the numbers were short and snappy, mostly well-sung, although I felt everything was pitched a little too high for the performers, and the sound balance between the keyboard and stage wasn’t quite right.  Costumes could have been a little more striking, but on the whole conveyed the writer/Director’s vision of his characters.

The cast was headed up by Julia Mark (Cinderella) – Julia tackled the part with gusto and made light of her disability, which was used as base for the cruelty of the Baroness.  Great to see Julia in a well-written principal role, which allowed the concept of a more feisty Cinderella.

Bryony Reynolds (Baroness Hardup) showed her undoubted experience in the depth of her portrayal, we enjoyed her nastiness, which contrasted well with the other characters.  Faisal Mohiuddin (Baron Hardup) was suitably submissive - a good foil to the Baroness.

The ‘lovely’ Sisters’ – Connie Wiltshire (Ruby) and MJ Scott (Jade) were everything they should be, one dim-witted, the other slightly more clever – both rather awful!  Well sung and nicely achieved.

Darren Barsby (Buttons) was musically good, and interacted well with the various cast members within the bounds of the plot.

Alaina Hounslow (Prince) did a good job, whilst Claire Kula (Dandini) really looked the part, and sang very well.  Simon Perkins (Perkins) was a loud and fun member of this trio.

Jonathan Goodson (Nitpicker) and Katie Osborne (Quibble) formed a good duo pointing out the problems others might have with their plans, I was very impressed with Katie, she always creates a good character. 

Michelle Stanton (Dame Choux) gave us a very understanding character, who looked after Cinderella - nicely achieved.  The ‘ensemble’ of Peter Johnson (Plimsoll), Isabel Kula (Platform), Lucy Hounslow (Peep-Toe) and Sam Couch (Espadrille) were diverse in their characterisations, bright and lively, I enjoyed their inclusion.

Overall some good performances in a cleverly written piece.  My thanks to Five Pound Theatre for their hospitality.

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