Cinders: Surprise Role Swaps Pull Out All The Stops

Having missed the panto season due to exploring the cultural jewels of Andalucia, it was great to grab some winter sparkle with Scottish Ballet’s Cinders which keeps the audience on their toes with a nightly surprise.

The anticipation of the playful new role-swapping production packed with slapstick keeps us guessing if this is the night when Cinders is a woman bowled over by her Prince Charming - or if Cinders is a man swept off his feet by his Princess.

Our performance sticks to tradition with a female Cinders beautifully danced by Gina Scott and Jerome Barnes as the dashing Prince Louis.

The ballet is set at the turn of the 20th Century at the Rose family haberdashery business which is devastated by a fire. The tragedy leaves an orphaned child who is named ‘Cinders’ due to being found among the charred embers.

Ruling the roost is a new business owner - the tasteless, nasty and highly entertaining Mrs Thorne who relishes dishing out tickets for the Royal Ball to her three hideous children.

Mrs Thorne cruelly taunts Cinders with an invitation only to rip it up and we are overjoyed when the fairy godmother weaves her magic and the endearing plot we know and love from our childhood innocence evolves.

Choreographed by Scottish Ballet’s Artistic Director and CEO, Christopher Hampson, the dancing is mesmerising and outstanding - as is the brand-new, art-nouveau inspired set.

The Scottish Ballet Orchestra enrich the late composer Sergei Pokofiev’s score and the sumptuous, sparkling costume designs, courtesy of Elin Steele, are spectacular as the love story transports us from a bleak Winter night in Newcastle to a world of enchantment, opulence and romance.

We absolutely loved to hate Aisling Branagan as Mrs Thorne and her hideous, hilarious offspring - Tarquin played by Thomas Edwards and Grace Horler as Morag who were impressive.

Stealing the show for me is Alice Kawalek as Flossie delivering a lively performance bursting with cheek and wit. Also worthy of mention is Laura Hendry as the endearing young Cinders.

As for the outcome - did we pirouette back to the railway station high on a fairytale finale - or did another twist stop us in our tracks? Come and find out for yourself!