AUDIENCES CAN HAVE A BALL WITH HACKNEY’S CINDERELLA THIS FESTIVE SEASON

By Madeleine Anderson ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

Hackney Empire has delivered a Cinderella that feels fresh, funny and unmistakably East London. The opening moments spark big laughs, especially when the cast cheekily reassures a frightened crew member, “You’re not in Dalston anymore.”

The show keeps the audience delighted with crowd pleasing festive numbers such as “All I Want for Christmas,” sung beautifully by the silken voiced Cinderella, played by Siobhan James.

Everything unfolds on a sparkling set that matches the flamboyant costumes designed by Cleo Pettitt. Both the costume and set design are some of the best I’ve ever seen in a pantomime, with deliciously vibrant and gaudy colours which you can only get away with during the festive season.

The staging is daring and could easily rival the production value of a West-End show. Indeed, the use of a huge flying carriage led by a winged and moving horse to carry Cinderella to the ball earnt a well deserved pre interval ovation.

The stepsisters’ glittering gowns and constant costume changes deserve special praise. Beyond their bizarre beauty, Flatula and Nausea, played by Kat B and George Heyworth, are the production’s standout performers. Their blend of witty audience interaction and impeccable comic timing see them serve as the ideal pantomime villains.

Their hilarious antics with one “lucky” male audience member left a lasting impression on me, with an unsuspecting onlooker being tasked with saying  “I love you, pookie poo” in response to the stepsisters’ “We love you, fluffy wuffy”, the audience, young and old alike, erupted with genuine delight, cheering at every playful exchange.

Beyond the impressive improv the script is packed with topical jokes and sharp political references that give the performance a fresh, contemporary feel. Add to that some catchy choreography from Michael Ward, a lively slop routine and a surprise appearance from Santa, and you have a Cinderella that truly shines this Christmas.

It was clear that the actors were genuinely having fun, with some even losing track of their lines during fits of giggles which only added to the joy and hilarity of the production.

Among the golden wrappings of Hackney Empire’s arches, this is the perfect festive treat for all ages.

Cinderella is running at Hackney Empire until Wednesday 31 December.

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