REVIEW: Cindermouse, Little Angel Theatre, September 26 2009

This joyful show at the Little Angel Theatre is a twist on the classic fairytale of Cinderella, told here, as the title might suggest by mice. Poor Cindermouse is kept busy cleaning up after the shrew-like Mrs Applecrumb's two lazy daughters Melissa and Miranda whilst her father dreams of becoming the royal clockmaker but his clocks are always stopping before they can reach their last chime. Cindermouse plans to attend the Prince's ball to ensure her fathers clock, the Prince's birthday present, chimes the correct number of times and save her father from embarrassment.

The show features beautiful glove and rod puppets designed by Lyndie Wright and fabulously operated by Roger Lade and Andrea Sadler, who is making her début as a puppeteer. Children are enraptured by the lovely storytelling as Lade and Sadler bring a host of characters to life. The voice work is great and the visuals a real delight, a particular highlight is the array of acrobatic mice who form the entertainment at the ball.

A treat that for those who can't make it to the Little Angel Theatre will be pleased to know the show goes out on tour in December.