REVIEW: Cinders! – Theatre Royal, Glasgow

Scottish Ballet’s festive favourite has returned with a new name and a fresh new take on the familiar tale. You may see our Cinders, a woman, swept off their feet by the Prince or alternatively as a man, swept away by the Princess.

It’s the turn of the 20th Century and our titular character is the much-loved child of the owners of the Rose Emporium. One night tragedy strikes and the shop goes up in flames, leaving a young orphan the newspapers dub Cinders.

The emporium is taken over by the ghastly Mrs. Thorne and her  equally ghastly children. This time there’s no wicked step-mother and sisters but a new dynamic in Cinders life. Despite many setbacks our hero does go to the ball where he meets the princess. You will be relieved to know, the clock still strikes twelve, our hero looses his glittering shoe and a search ensues. As it ever was, the pair are reunited for the requisite happy ending.

Cinders! is a production of great beauty, choreographically, musically and most magnificently – visually. Elin Steele’s Art-Nouveau designs are utterly exquisite, the colour palette subtle and a true feast for the eyes. Lawrie McLennan’s lighting breathes life and atmosphere throughout.

Christopher Hampson’s new spin allows a greater sensitivity and vulnerability for the male dancer as Cinders, a depth of more subtle emotion not often available in male roles. Conversely it allows the female principal to take centre stage alone and in control.

This Cinders is a small but significant change and a step towards less than traditional representation in a ballet world often stuck firmly in the past. A thing of great beauty, it is the perfect salve to soothe the heart in these less than perfect times.

Runs until 31 December 2023 then tours to Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Newcastle until February 2024.