Soho Cinders

Wow. Phoenix Theatre Company have done it again ! I had not seen this show before but had heard about it. This production was done in the round on a smaller scale than usual and it really worked. The set was minimal with projected screen shots depicting the location. There was a small band but there were no body mics so the cast had to really project which they did with great confidence. As the show title suggests Soho Cinders is loosely based on the story of Cinderella but in this case Cinders is a gay young man and the story containing definite adult content revolves around the Soho area of London dealing with love, politics and scandal.

The casting of this show was outstanding and the Narrator (Sam Mitchell) set the scenes throughout with a touch of personal embellishment. Robbie (Jack Houghton) and James Prince (Brendan Pell Culshaw) were well matched and ‘Gypsies Of The Ether’ was so good. Lord Bellingham (Andy Green) fit the character perfectly and I felt all three handled the gay theme with great sensitivity. Who wouldn’t want a friend and confident like Velcro (Sophie Fidler). She was a joy to watch so too was Marilyn Platt (Emma Oates) as the jilted fiancée. Their duet ‘Let Him Go’ was excellent. The ugly sisters of Dana (Sarah Powell) and Clodagh (Shelley Mellor) were brilliant and their numbers ‘I’m So Over Men’ and ‘Fifteen Minutes’ were hilarious. The campaign manager William George (Jonah Thompson) was played with great confidence. Other strong performances came from Sasha (Anya Bristol) and Sidesaddle (Claire Robertson). All the characterisations were strong and the chemistry and interaction between all the characters was second to none. Add to this the wonderful ensemble. Only 9 of them but they worked their socks off. Hats off to the brave young man in the laundrette stripping down to his underpants.

Congratulations must go to the Director Ian Walker, MD Damian Bell, Choreographer Jessica Mellows and all the cast and crew for bringing together this fabulous piece of theatre. I enjoyed the show immensely and the audience certainly did. It was so good. Thanks again Phoenix Theatre Company for an excellent evening.

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