It’s easy to assume you know how a production of Cinderella is going to unfold. There’ll be Cinders in her rags, mean stepsisters, glass slippers, prince charming, a fairy godmother along with slapstick humour. Well, be prepared to have your assumptions challenged by this retelling of a much-loved fairytale. It may be one of Derby Theatre’s Christmas shows but it’s not traditional panto. Directed by Bryn Holding it’s storytelling at its very best.
In Annie Siddon’s new version Gab/Cinderella (played delightfully by Aine O’Neill-Mason) is a spirited Derbyshire girl who finds solace in nature as she deals with the death of her mum, the hostility of her stepmother and stepsisters and the absence of her beloved dad. A chance encounter with an injured badger changes her destiny.
This retelling of Cinderella is performed by a talented ensemble of actor-musicians. Many of whom play multiple roles and instruments. Gab’s stepsisters, the uptight and demanding Lavinia (Roxanna Bartle) and pink haired goth Ottilie (Charlotte Rutherfoord), along with Stepmother Adelaide (Shelley Atkinson) provide moments of laugh out loud comedy. All three have a great physicality to their performances which helps distinguish the different characters that they play. The scene which shows how Gab gets her nickname of Cinderella is a particularly nice touch.
Jason Yeboa as Micah Maddox makes a charming love interest for Gab. His character provides hope for the future at a time of massive societal upheaval. In the 1840s, when this Cinderella is set, there were bold new innovations taking place. From the introduction of the railways to the concept of workers’ rights. Challenging the views of the pompous and out of touch Sir Thaddeus Obadiah Maddox (played by Jonathan Markwood). Joseph, Gab’s father (played by Nicholas Shaw) embodies the struggles of the working man: the difficulty of finding paid employment and the dangers of manual work on the railways.
Dorcas (Purvi Parmar), Maddox Hall’s housekeeper and Micah’s old nurse helps move the story along with great comic timing. The local Young Company actors form an integral part of the cast. Their voices and dancing add to the richness of the production. The original songs are infectious and performed with gusto by the whole cast who play an impressive array of musical instruments.
The use of puppetry to embody Gab’s cat Igor, the injured badger and Moritasgus the goddess of wisdom and healing, is expertly done. Moritasgus is played by Shelley Atkinson who is also very funny as the vicar and Adelaide. The puppets really come alive and their movements are at times comic, provoking audience laughter.
There’s a real sense of Derbyshire throughout. From the use of local phrases and accents to the stunning set design. It seamlessly moves between the family’s cottage and the rolling peak district to Maddox Hall and the emerging railways. Maddox Hall is clearly inspired by some of the county’s stately homes. Primarily Kedleston Hall with a sprinkling of Calke Abbey and Chatsworth. The circular staging reinforces the sense of passing time and provides an effective platform for the entertaining song and dance numbers.
This is a heart-warming quirky and earthy retelling of Cinderella. Different but familiar enough to delight all the family. It’s both funny and thought provoking. An unexpected delight. The course of true love naturally isn’t straightforward particularly when it comes to Lavinia’s scheming. Moritasgus the magical badger saves the day. It’s an imaginative alternative to a traditional fairy godmother.
My seven-year-old co-reviewer was particularly enchanted by the puppetry and the comic physicality of the stepsisters’ performances. Laughing loudly at their sulky brattish behaviour. He was also very happy that it wasn’t ‘all the regular love stuff’ that traditionally comes with Cinderella. However, spoiler alert. There’s still a happy ending with Gab/Cinderella meeting her perfect partner. As do a number of the other characters. Here’s to love and fierce daughters!
Photos by Graeme Braidwood
