'A dream come true': I saw Cinderella at the Derby Theatre and left with a beaming smile on my face

You may be familiar with the fairytale of Cinderella and for many, the Disney cartoon version will probably be one of the first things that springs to mind. 

The traditional tale which is thought to have origins in a Greek myth from 7BC, about a young girl’s journey from rags-to-riches, has been given a 21st-century makeover.

Derby Theatre’s latest festive production has magically transported its characters to… Derbyshire and this is just one of the many twists that lie in store for local audiences. 

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Writer Annie Siddons has injected the Cinderella story with humour and updated Cinderella’s character to create a feisty heroine who is a role model for people today.

At the heart of the story is the universal theme of love which speaks to the audience in many variations including first love, the tender relationship between father and daughter, and that of people who have passed away but whose memories will live forever.

The cast brings boatloads of energy and pizzazz to the story and it is their interpretation of characters that renders this production a giant whopping success that left me with a gigantic smile on my face. 

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Áine O’Neill-Mason’s turn as Cinderella is aspirational and heartwarming, as her various monologues at her mother’s grave show a brave, yet vulnerable side.

Jason Yeboa’s portrayal of Cinderalla’s love interest Micah is so very watchable, especially when he is doing one of his energetic song routines as he dances around the stage and into Cinderella’s and the audience’s hearts.

Roxana Bartle as Lavinia, one of Cinderella’s step-sisters, plays the pantomime villain to devastating effect. Charlotte Rutherfoord as Ottilie, the second step-sister is utterly beguiling as a Goth fixated on death and darkness but who has a penchant for fabulous dancing.

There is plenty of fun and laughs to be had and witty one-liners from Purvi Parmar as Dorcus bring lighthearted relief to this story. A star-turn by Shelley Atkinson as Cinderella’s not-so-much evil-but-more-daft step-mother will make you want to watch this production again and again.

There are so many highlights from the show, key among them being a surreal giant badger played by Atkinson. Her epic voice has such gravitas, it could easily rank against the legendary Pavarotti, it is that immense, both in tune and in depth.

Derby Theatre’s Cinderella is beautiful to watch. You will laugh, cry and applaud till your hands hurt, and that is OK, because this production deserves nothing less.

Address: 15 Theatre Walk, Derby DE1 2NF. For more information visit the website by clicking here.