Cinderella till 24 January 2004
Bristol
Cinderella: Rogers and Hammerstein
Bristol Old Vic: Tkts 0117 987 7877
Runs: 1h 30m, including interval, till 24 January 2004
Review: Stewart McGill, 15 December 2003
Relaxing and nostalgic: unusual choice which has its moments
Readers of my recent reviews of new Bristol Old Vic productions under the inspired artistic leadership of David Farr and Simon Reade will be in no doubt that I feel this theatre is now well and truly in the front line of national companies. What has emerged in the city is a hallmark classical company with radical and dynamic policy at its heart. This also is one of few theatres where programming work for all the family is central and not simply an exercise in seasonal cynicism. The year ahead promises much, yet for now Timothy Sheader's staging of Rogers and Hammerstein's CINDERELLA THE MUSICAL serves for Christmas and New Year appetites.
The show began life as a specially commissioned musical spectacular for television in 1957 and was a huge hit with audiences of 107 million people tuning in to watch! Cinderella was played by Julie Andrews before she encountered those Austrian Alps. It is an unusual choice for revival and although proves a beautiful show visually in the historic auditorium of the Theatre Royal, I don't think it has a particularly memorable score or even one song.
Set in a 1950s world of imagination Sheader and his designer Laura Hopkins pay more than a passing nod to Powell and Pressburger's film THE RED SHOES creating a romantic and charming series of images and resonances. The journey to the castle and the ballroom scenes using a revolve work particularly well. It is, without doubt, a loving discovery.
Bristol Old Vic continue to explore ensemble playing and here a company of ten do wonders, The Stepsisters Joy and Portia played by Daniele Coombe and Sirine Saba particularly emerge as memorable creations. Sophie Bould's Cinderella, no girl of the ashes, but survivor in the prototype dysfunctional family sings and weaves her way through the flimsy plot to wedding day in a mere ninety minutes of light hearted whimsy.
Without doubt Bristol Old Vic are giving an alternative take on what has to be the most overdone of all Christmas shows and, as it is in effect, the first showing of Rogers and Hammerstein musical it is certainly worth a visit. I missed the darker side of the story and felt that the potential for more detailed characterisation and layers of plot exploration suffer in the reduction, no doubt required by the television companies.
For more tempting at this address is the new commission from Carol Ann Duffy, BEASTS AND BEAUTIES EIGHT TALES FROM EUROPE directed by Melly Still for Easter and Simon Reade's adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's PRIVATE PEACEFUL in the studio. After a superb first year Cinderella is relaxing and nostalgic but on the strength of this score Rogers and Hammerstein were not at their most entrancing.
Godmother: Helen Hobson
Royal Steward: John Stacey
Stepmother: Kate Graham
Stepsister Joy: Daniele Coombe
Stepsister Portia: Sirine Saba
Cinderella: Sophie Bould
The King: Sévan Stephan
The Queen: Sara Weymouth
Housekeeper/Belle at the Ball: Hayley Driscoll
The Prince: Simon Thomas
Musical Director/Keyboards: Philip Bateman
Double Bass: Ben Groenevelt
Trumpet/Flugelhorn: Andy Hague
Flute/Clarinet: Sue Phipps
Violin: Martin Pring
Percussion: Andrew Tween
Director: Timothy Sheader
Designer: Laura Hopkins
Musical Director/Arrangements: Philip Bateman
Choreographer: Sam Spencer-Lane
Lighting Designer: Oliver Fenwick
2003-12-17 11:18:19