Summary

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Running Dates: Thursday 27th March - Saturday 29th March 2025
Where to see it: Bristol Hippodrome
Duration: 2 hours, 40 minutes (including 2 x intervals)
Keywords: Ballet, Fairytales

Review

It is time to go to the ball! As I approached the stalls within the Bristol Hippodrome, I was really excited to revisit this classic fairytale in ballet format and it was touching to see the excitement of many little ones coming to see Cinderella.

As Paul Murphy, Music Director, made his way to the front of the orchestra at the beginning of the show, a big applause sets free in the theatre. His talent in guiding the music and the ambiance of the play is undeniable.

I have always been so very impressed by the way music and dance can convey emotions and define the atmosphere of storytelling in a ballet play – however, I feel that the set also needs a mention as John Macfarlane, Designer, brings us straight into the moment in time when Cinderella is left to live with her stepmother and her two stepsisters following her father’s passing. You can perceive darkness at the beginning, as we are taken to Cinderella’s stepmother’s house; and then it all brightens up with representations of the seasons, the stars and the sparkling scenes of the ball.

This ballet play and its enactors perfectly represent the fairytale – the playfulness and light performance of the Principals and the Soloists make the show a delight to watch, with some laughter sprinkled here and there, especially when Cinderella’s stepsisters come to the stage with their hilarious presence! Not to forget the lizard footmen and the little mice helping Cinderella in her transition to ball attendee.

Throughout the ballet play, the music travels from darkness to light – this is after all a tale of loss, longing and personal injustice. Beatrice Parma is absolutely stunning in her performance as Cinderella – she moves on the stage light as a feather and portraying her need to break free from the new life that was sprung on her since the loss of her father.

And then it is time for the ball – I personally loved the representation of the seasons and the stars, in their colourful and sparkly costumes. It all becomes very magical when Cinderella and her fairy godmother are on stage and the pumpkin carriage makes its appearance!

Everyone in the castle is astonished by the arrival of this unknown guest, who completely takes over the Prince’s attention only to leave, unexpectedly, at midnight. She leaves behind a little sparkly shoe though and, soon after the ball is over, the Prince is on a quest to find his beloved unknown guest. The scene returns to be light and funny as different candidates try the shoe on – until the Prince reaches Cinderella’s stepmother’s house and, to everyone’s disbelief, Cinderella’s foot is the only one to fit the little shoe.

All of Cinderella’s dreams become true in that one moment, but I’d like to think that – as much as the figure of the Prince is “charming” in this fairytale setting – there was an intention to cast the light on the female figures and their interaction as Cinderella gains her much deserved freedom from a life that was not hers anymore.

Standout Quote or Moment: When the stars dance in a pool of magic clouds, signalling the moment when everything finds its place in Cinderella’s story.

See If: You love ballet, a little bit of magic and a dreamy set!

Last Impression: A balance of emotions, masterfully portrayed in this sublime piece of ballet play.

Not got a ticket yet? Change your Saturday plans and get your tickets to the show here!

Written by Angela Masella

Disclaimer: We were kindly gifted these tickets in exchange for a review. The review also contains affiliate links.

Theatre Review: Cinderella – Birmingham Royal Ballet, Bristol Hippodrome

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