Cinderella

Cinderella, a children’s play written and directed by Natalie Trengove, with original music and lyrics by Jim Fury and Donna McGlinn, follows Cinderella as she overcomes the hardships of being her step-family’s servant. While a colourful show, there was still something left to be desired.

Casting was done well. The actresses for Cinderella’s step-sisters were brilliant. Amelie Audus and Michelle Passalacqua were a perfect mix of comedic and dramatic. Furthermore, Jemma Merrell as Cinderella did a wonderful job playing the sweet, wholesome character. Joonatan Mansbridge (Buttons), Sue-Ellen McCubben (Fairy Godmother/Old Woman), Jim Fury (King Charles), Jimmy Cook (Baron Fitzwilliam), Donna McGlinn (Queen Elizabeth), Tom Wilkie (Knave/Pstman/Villager), Elijah Mitimeti (Prince Alexander), Julie Kereszteny (Stepmother Agnes), Lachlan Gallagher (Knave/Dancer/Villager) rounded out the cast, with Penelope Gallagher, Haddie Philip, Alyssa Wilkinson-Joyce and Audrey Barlow as dancers/villagers, and Katriina Mansbridge as the shopkeeper/villager. While the cast interacted and played off each other’s characters well, some dialogue felt stilted, and in need of clearer interpretation.

Costumes by Gary Johns and Natalie Trengove were fabulous, as was the carriage by Doug Williams. It just beautiful. The costumes really brought you into the atmosphere of a royal society, yet were so sparkly and reminded you of the magical and fantasy element of the story. Makeup by Nicole Micallef was very well done, the actors all looked stunning.

Sound was abysmal. At times the microphones were too loud and at times they were turned off so you could just barely hear the actors speaking. Furthermore, you could hear people backstage talking during the show, which took away from the ability to immerse yourself in the story. Lighting, on the other hand, was crisp and clean.

While at times the “musical” components of the piece felt forced and out of place, that being said, the King and Queen’s song, ‘A Royal Ball’, was quite catchy and fun to watch.

The choreography, on the other hand, was simple, yet adorable and well executed by the actors.

While there were very few props, the backstage crew were quick and efficient in their scene and prop changes, well done.

Overall, Cinderella is a simple play that would be fun and appealing to little kids, and probably adults with a glass of wine.

Marina Cerra

Photography: Doug Williams

Find out more at https://www.tweedtheatre.com.au/