After the hustle and bustle of Christmas and the quiet of January, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Cinderella provides the perfect escape from the chill and early nights of winter.
Through stunning costumes and set design, the audience is presented with a tableau-like depiction of a traditional fairytale, as if watching a painting come to life.
Cinderella is a timeless classic with a rich global history, inspiring countless cinematic and theatrical adaptations. Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production, directed by Sir David Bintley, is no exception, offering a perfect interpretation of this much-loved tale.
The live orchestral score heightened the emotion and perfectly complemented the flawless dance performance. The stepsisters’ roles stood out to me in particular, as they had the challenge of dancing with intentional clumsiness, clearly having to subdue their usual precision. This was great characterisation and sparked waves of laughter from the captivated audience.
The visual combination of costume and set design is truly breathtaking. The muted backdrop of Cinderella’s cold home and the pale tones of the kitchen reflect both the cruelty of her stepmother and stepsisters and how Cinderella, dressed in matching pale hues, is an extension of her environment.
In the second act at the ball, the stage is enriched with the deep, earthy wine tones of the guests’ costumes as they dance in perfect synchronisation. The rich colour palette contrasts beautifully with the pastel shades worn by Cinderella and the Prince, symbolising their perfect harmony.
The production is perfect for all ages, and I particularly enjoyed the magical addition of dancing frogs and lizards, which provided amusement for everyone. This sense of enchantment is also evident in the mesmerising transformation scene where Cinderella’s carriage forms on stage, allowing the audience to fully believe in the fairy godmother’s magic.
This dreamlike production is an unmissable experience – an invitation to fall under the spell of Cinderella’s romantic and captivating world with Birmingham Royal Ballet.
