Reader Reviews
Cinderella: A Fairytale (St James Theatre, Inner London)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | The overall design felt Scandinavian so I persuaded myself this re-versioning was Ibsen-esque rather than influenced by Brothers Grimm [director’s notes] of central-south Germany. However the nasty step mother (Mr Craig Edwards) was quite believable as being from Germanic folklore. The rest of the minimalist cast of five and two musicians handle their multiple changes well and create their individual empathy for the various roles. The Chinese lanterns, last seen motorised at The Landor in Hot Mikado, seemed out of place until the Queen’s ball - perhaps I missed the point. A few gag opportunities were missed since St. James is within spitting distance of the real Palace, and with birds being plot-pivotal not a single reference to twitchers. As Mr Coveney says ‘slow to involve the audience’ but by the end of Act 1 it picks up and you’re hooked through to the end; so hang-on-in. The meat cleaver fun was all too realistic but probably only the adults had nightmares, the plate smashing routine sent a few splinters flying but not into anyone’s eyes or bodies on this occasion. This is the third time in recent weeks I’ve witnessed the unintentional scattering of broken glass and porcelain (Union & Arcola December 2012), wake up Theatreland some H&S matters are non-negotiable. If you haven’t visited the all new and gorgeous St James theatre give it try, no matter where you sit the experience is excellent so splash out on a budget £25 seat to start with. - Jimmie Pullin | 11 Jan 13 |
| A must see. Very beatiful and captivating production. - CBaker | 13 Dec 12 |
