

Movie spotlight
The Royal Ballet: Cinderella
Royal Ballet Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella celebrates its 75th anniversary this Season. The ballet’s opening night in 1948, featuring Moira Shearer and Michael Somes in the lead roles, was received rapturously. After over a decade away from the Royal Opera House stage, Ashton’s timeless reworking of Charles Perrault’s famous rags-to-riches story returns, showcasing the choreographer’s deft musicality and the beauty of Prokofiev’s transcendent score. A creative team steeped in the magic of theatre, film, dance and opera brings new atmosphere to Cinderella’s ethereal world of fairy godmothers and pumpkin carriages, handsome princes and finding true love.
Insights
Plot Summary
This production of 'Cinderella' reimagines the classic fairy tale with a contemporary sensibility, set against the backdrop of post-war London. The story follows the orphaned Cinderella, mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, who dreams of a different life. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, she attends a dazzling ball where she captures the attention of the Prince, leading to a magical encounter and a search for his mysterious love.
Critical Reception
The Royal Ballet's production of 'Cinderella' has been widely praised for its stunning choreography, emotive performances, and theatrical flair. Critics lauded the creative staging and the dancers' technical prowess and expressive interpretations. Audiences have responded enthusiastically to its blend of classic fairy tale magic and modern artistry.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its inventive and dynamic choreography by Liam Scarlett.
Lauded for the emotional depth and technical skill of the principal dancers.
Admired for its visually rich and atmospheric staging, particularly the post-war London setting.
Google audience: Audience feedback often highlights the breathtaking beauty of the ballet, the captivating storytelling through dance, and the enchanting magical elements that bring the fairy tale to life.
Fun Fact
The production's set designs, by John Macfarlane, evoke a stylized post-war Britain, adding a unique historical and visual layer to the classic narrative.
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