Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
★★★☆☆ A lovely night
Church Hill Theatre: Wed 13 – Sat 16 Nov 2024
Review by Cyril Langston
Threepenny Theatricals’ first venture into musical theatre sees a beloved fairytale brought to life with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella playing at the Church Hill Theatre through to 16 November.
This adaptation of the 1957 movie-musical tells the famous story of Cinderella, the neglected but kind-hearted servant girl who wins the affections of a prince and becomes queen. Cinderella is a beloved and technically complex show which poses a formidable challenge that Threepenny Theatricals rises to meet. Directing duo Fiona Main and Simon Boothroyd deliver a sweet show with energetic moments despite its well-known plot.
Rebekah Lansley as Ella with Ensemble. Pic Andrew Morris Photography
Rebekah Lansley anchors the story as a loveable Cinderella, abused by her stepmother and stepsisters but still inexplicably warm-hearted. Lansley exudes the necessary demure charm and is well balanced by Greg McCafferty Thomson as Prince Topher.
heroic charm
McCafferty Thomson’s crystal clear voice and heroic charm make for a compelling and empathetic leading man, flanked by the conniving Sebastian (Simon Boothroyd) and his right hand man Lord Pinkleton (Neil French).
Setting the stage is the abuse Cinderella faces at the hands of her evil stepmother and stepsisters. In contrast to the original story, Cinderella’s stepsisters here aren’t quite as evil as they’ve come to be portrayed.
Gillian Robertson as Charlotte, Elspeth Whyte as Madame, Rebekah Lansley as Ella and Angie Fowler as Gabrielle. Pic: Andrew Morris Photography
Dynamic duo Angie Fowler and Gillian Robertson as sisters Gabrielle and Charlotte respectively are actually quite loveable and nuanced, sharing sisterly moments between one another and even occasionally with Cinderella.
Gabrielle’s romance with the revolutionary Jean-Michel, played by Sebastion Davidson, is heartwarming and even leads to the development of a positive sisterly relationship between Gabrielle and Cinderella.
Charlotte’s “Stepsister’s Lament” quickly establishes her as a crowd favourite and unexpected woman of the people.
delightfully cruel
Not to worry, Elspeth Whyte’s Madame is still a delightfully cruel stepmother with a world-class evil laugh that reveals that Cinderella’s kindness is truly self taught. To balance the evil laughs, Fiona Main’s performance, as the misunderstood Crazy Marie-turned-Fairy Godmother who helps Cinderella realise her dreams, is full of light.
Greg McCafferty Thomson as Prince Topher (mounted) with Neil French (Lord Pinkleton) and Simon Boothroyd (Sebastian). Pic: Andrew Morris Photography
Impressive prop-work is revealed to audible delight. A particularly remarkable life-size giant, who is thankfully quickly slayed by Prince Topher, and a few well-timed puppets all help contribute to the feeling of whimsy, necessary to present this fairytale in all its glory.
Lively physical comedy pulls the performance together, particularly well exemplified by Lewis Boyd as the Fox and Rob Hussey as the Raccoon.
jaunty
Energetic choreography by Louise Williamson efficiently utilises the stage and lights up the production’s large numbers, none shining so bright as Now is the Time/The Prince is Giving a Ball which jauntily introduces the wider ensemble and sets the stage for the ensuing chaos.
The live accompaniment with musical director David Lyle at the helm is a lovely addition that buoys the energy throughout the two and a half hour runtime.
Dancers L-R – Rob Hussey, Lara Kidd, Andrew Williamson, EmmaClarkson, Lewis Boyd and Alyssa Taylor. Pic: Andrew Morris Photography
With a story that is so well known, few surprises are in store with this script. A smattering of unexpected touches add charm but the momentum drags as the second act sees Cinderella’s second untimely departure from the Prince and his ensuing search for the glass slipper’s owner.
The enthusiastic choreography injects some much needed energy into the act, but the performances drag a bit as the show heads toward its grand finale. Some first night technical snags hindered the flow between scenes.
uplifting
Threepenny Theatrical’s Cinderella is an uplifting rendition of a heartwarming family favourite. Filled with magical costume changes, larger than life villains, and unexpectedly boisterous dance breaks, this show is an ambitious challenge for the company’s first musical — one which, due to the dedication reflected in the performances of its cast and crew, is a success.
Running time: Two hours and 30 minutes (including one interval)
Church Hill Theatre, 33 Morningside Road, EH10 4DR.
Wed 13 – Sat 16 Nov 2024
Evenings: 7.30pm; Sat Mat: 2.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here.
Threepenny Theatricals website: https://www.threepenny-theatricals.org
Facebook: @3pennytheatre
X: @3penny_theatre
Rebekah Lansley and Greg McCafferty Thomson as Ella and Prince Topher with dancers in Threepenny Theatricals’ Cinderella at the Church Hill. Pic: Andrew Morris Photography
ENDS
