Review: CINDERELLA, Theatre Royal, Glasgow

2019 is the 50th anniversary of Scottish Ballet so what better way to celebrate than to bring back their acclaimed 2015 production of Cinderella?

Told in three acts, we meet Cinderella when she is deeply unhappy. Living with her wicked stepmother and two ugly sisters she is treated badly and dressed in rags. Although she could easily be portrayed as a victim, Bethany Kingsley-Garner dances the role with a strength and determination that shows the fierceness of her character.

The story of Cinderella is well known so the ending is hardly a spoiler, but the conclusion of this production was a pleasant surprise. While it remains the same story, it is a lot more subtle and seems to depend less on the prince rescuing Cinderella with them having an equal relationship.

Scottish Ballet's Cinderella is a visual feast. A spectacle from start to finish, the set design will take your breath away. From the humble cellar where Cinderella lives to the magnificent ballroom at the castle, the design is exquisite. George Thomson's lighting sets the mood beautifully and allows the stunning costumes to sparkle.

Constance Devernay and Aisling Brangan dance the beautifully as the ugly sisters, bringing a comedic element to the piece. The pair attend the ball in garish dresses which are a stark contrast to the elegance of everyone else onstage.

The overwhelming feeling I got from Christopher Hampson's production was pure magic. Cinderella is a stunning show with seemingly effortless performances from an exceptional cast.

Cinderella is at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow until Saturday 12th January.

Photo credit: Rimbaud Patron

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