Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

I had not previously seen this rarely done version of Cinderella, and maybe unsurprisingly it was more of a dramatic piece than the traditional panto concept – but certainly no less enjoyable for it.

There were two teams for four main roles and for the performance I attended these were played by Beth Lawson (Cinderella), Neave Lawson-Dallow (Crazy Marie – a fairy godmother equivalent) Abi Young (Gabrielle) and Georgie Levine(Charlotte), both siblings of Cinderella. On alternate performances these four roles were played by Jess Young, Lucy Allsop, Mimi Groves and Katy Campell-Ferguson. I am sure from observing these four on previous occasions, they will have performed very well.

There were some nice harmonies in the opening ‘prologue’ and this was followed by the brief but dramatic entrance of the Ogre (Linus Hughes). Beth as Cinderella played the part beautifully and soon demonstrated a lovely voice with ‘In My Own Little Corner’. Abi & Georgie were far from being the ugly sisters you might otherwise expect, but were still bitchy towards Cinderella particularly early in Act 2. Mother of the girls , Madame, was played with great stage presence by Ellie Morris. Initially I thought her speaking voice was too high pitched but after ‘tuning in’ her performance was laced with great expression and timing particularly when being an absolute beast to Cinderella. We always need a dashing Prince, and in this respect, we were not disappointed; Cameron Morris providing a confident performance as Prince Topher (Christopher), heir to the throne. I liked his innocent disposition and how he eventually responds positively to a case made by Jean-Michael a revolutionary, well played by Linus Hughes, that the world should be made a better place. (The Prince even created the post of Prime Minister and gave everyone a vote!)

Meanwhile Neave as  Crazy Marie suggests  a way for Cinderella to get to the Prince’s Royal Ball – Neave sang very well and I particularly liked her sweet voice in ‘Impossible’, followed by the arrival of the magnificent well-made (in house) coach, (‘It’s Possible’) which transported Cinderella to an excellent Ball scene. I thought the game of ridicule at the Royal Ball which Cinderella said would be better handled with kindness, was well acted. Cinderella still has to leave with haste at the bewitching hour, but does not lose a slipper until leaving a Royal Banquet arranged later by the Prince, in the hope of meeting Cinderella again. Abi (Gabrielle) who suspects what is really going on, surprised us with her offer to Cinderella of a dress to enable her to attend the banquet.

Advisor to the Prince is Sebastian, played with great strength and power by Isaac McManus, and Phoebe McIntosh demonstrated a powerful voice as Lord Pinkleton. There were  several clever moments of ‘dress transformation’ not least during the scene when Marie sang ‘There’s Music In You’ in Act 2. The dresses were just examples of an entirely stunning collection of costumes, prepared by Britt Needham and her team.  ‘A Lovely Night’ sang by Beth, Geogie, Abi, and Ellie was a total delight.

Support was also provided  by a number of other roles together with the junior chorus who responded well to some original choreography. The great depth of stage at the Norbury was utilised to locate the 7-piece band at the rear, led sensitively by MD Stephen Watkins. The set and lighting looked good as usual and on this occasion the principals were assisted with mics which were well balanced. I liked this production of Cinderella directed by Alec Fellows-Bennett and maybe R&H should have created others?

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