Soho Cinders

Following years of successful seasonal pantomimes Handsworth and Hallam take on this twist of the classic Cinderella story. This is definitely no pantomime, no silly gags, outlandish headgear and a dame who changes costumes every few minutes. In fact other than cross relating the usual panto characters this certainly isn’t and never will be pantomime, but it will be a production provoking conversation, thought, and intrigue. The production centered around a seedy laundry in the dark streets of Soho, completewith extremely full on sisters, a somewhat poor brother striving for a better life who falls into the wrong company,influenced by money, false promises and almost losing his one true love. This production has so much to offer, love, passion, greed, desire, emotion, intrigue and much more. 

Handsworth and Hallam Theatre Company, never afraid of breaking from the norm set out to rehearse polish and be stage ready in just over seven weeks. Under the watchful eye of Matthew Walker assisted by Jane Jefferson-Blythe, the talented cast achieved that and more. For Walker’s first production he should be thrilled with the outcome. The multi-talented cast of well known Sheffield performers bring every aspect of this musical to the full. The vision from start to finish under the guidance of the production team was there in abundance. Steve Trotter as Musical Director should also be delighted by the quality of the singing. So many musical numbers, showing everything from love and emotion, to greed and jealously, to honesty and deceit, all wonderfully delivered with excellent acting through song. Completing the stage production team your two choreographers and dance captain, Hayley, Beth and Louise devised and directed stunning movement throughout. This is never easy when performing in the round and constantly ensuring that the audience are kept fully engrossed throughout.

Robbie, the cinders of the show, performed by James Smith gave a powerful performance in song and word. The scenes with Velcro, along with the duet of ‘Wishing for the Normal ‘solos and further duets sang the moving ‘Gypsies of the Ether’ with James. The scenes between Robbie and James,performed by Sam Widdowson , with such tenderness and passion were really touching. Velcro performed by Alice McKenzie, Robbie’s best friend and confidant. A well performed role in music and acting, touching scenes with Robbie and in particular along with Marilyn during the duet of ‘Let him Go’. A lovely well executed role showing her many talents. Steve Mather as the Narrator kept the musical moving along with well timed, clearly delivered lines. Not an easy role as performing totally individually. Couldn’t help but smile at his ‘Double Dip Depression’ whilst dunking his biscuit. 

James Prince by Sam Widdowson , running for Mayor of London, engaged to Marilyn, in love with Robbie, manipulated by his campaign manager George, striving to live up to his catch phrase of ‘How can you go wrong with honest’ gave an outstanding performance , excellent singing and acting, not easy when emotionally involved with Robbie, showing real depth in your duet of ‘Remember Us’ with Marilyn, along with reprise during Act 2. Marilyn Platt by Keeley Kilby, the fiancé of James, showing passion and compassion through a memorable performance. Beautiful duets with James , solo of ‘Spin reprise’ and the emotionally deep scene with Velco in ‘Let him Go’ .

The production cleverly keeps reminding us of the traditional Cinderella story full of goodies and baddies , shoes and carriages ,good over evil.

Lord Bellingham by Mark Harris , another excellent performance , the wealthy businessman trying to win the attentions of Robbie, money flowers and luxuries still not sufficient to capture the boy. Well delivered acting in word and singing. Wilian George by Joseph Walker, gave a powerful performance, the baddy of the piece, striving for his own success whilst manipulating his employer and assistant Sasha, culminating in his dismissal having been found guiltyof sexual harassment. Many great scenes along with’ The Tail that Wags The Dog’ with Sasha and ensemble. No performance with Cinderella as part of the title can manage without the ugly sisters. Clodagh by Leah Rhodes-Burch and Dana by Louise Walker certainly didn’t disappoint. Two quite amazing performances, larger than life with no inhibitions, song, dance and performance that lit up the stage each time they appeared. Their duet of ‘I’m So Over Men’ and ‘Fifteen Minutes’ brilliant. Sidesaddle by Danni B Hibbert and Sasha by Sara Ross gave powerful performances in very alternate styles, from the do this do that that Sasha had to put up with, to Sidesaddle, the loyal friend Velco , not dissimilar to the Fairy Godmother role. 

This production is packed with excellent movement and song, clever staging maximizing performance in the round. The talented ensemble, whilst not mentioned individually gave top quality performances throughout. 

Sound by Paul Minott and lighting by Tom Dyson were both very well done, allowing orchestra and performers to be heard clearly along with excellent scene changing . The sets were moved seamlessly by the actors and the today clothing perfect for the time. 

Yes this musical is risqué but no more than you hear on TV daily. But more than anything this is a truly excellent piece of quality writing in script and music, a production not to be missed, performed to the highest standard by every actor and one that will leave you with so many special memories. 

This review could have been simplified to a single word …….. outstanding …..

Thank you for an excellent evening and front of house hospitality

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