REVIEW: Matthew Bourne's Cinderella at MK Theatre

 Matthew Bourne's Cinderella at Milton Keynes Theatre

 

Tuesday 14th February 2018

For those of you who are familiar with Matthew Bourne's work then you will not be disappointed in this retelling of the Cinderella story through dance. The show is a mixture of contemporary dance and ballet reflecting the skills of this amazing choreographer. The story is set in the London Blitz of the 1940s and uses the score from Prokofiev which provides the haunting and atmospheric music of the show. The stage set is dramatic with all the sounds, light and noise we would expect during the London Blitz. The set was expertly transformed; it was one minute a bombed ballroom and next a moon lit scene of ethereal quality.

I did find the story a little confusing at times, who was who, who was dead and who was alive. Plus there were some sub plots around to add to the mix.  But that said, the dancing was superb and the atmosphere was enchanting.

The whole cast were excellent so it's hard to single out anyone although I did think that the Angel played by Paris Fitzpatrick held the story together. Cordelia Braithwaite was beautiful and mesmerising as Cinderella and Will Bozier played the handsome pilot. Most of the cast seemed to play several parts so it was a highly energetic performance. This is a show not to be missed.

Cinderella is on at MK Theatre until the 17^th February.

Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)

Cinderella Panto at MK Theatre

A fantastic show again this year from the mother of all Pantomimes, Cinderella. Starring the fantastic Gok Wan and Brian Conley as The Fairy Gok Mother and Buttons. A perfect pairing for the stage as they bounced off one another effortlessly and had the audience in stitches! I was a little worried for the gent sat behind us, thought he might have an accident!

In typical panto style, they picked on the audience - a huge well done to Nikki of Olney – if you see this, we were cheering for you! I couldn’t think of anything worse than being pulled up on stage in front of hundreds of people…you were great :D (note: shy people, don’t sit too close to the front!)

Multi-coloured, sparkling, glitz and glam stage set with the usual wow factors – fireworks, flying coach, magic, show ponies, OTT costumes, rude jokes – you name it, they had it.

A big shout out the full cast and creatives for putting on such a wonderfully magic Christmas show that kids and big kids alike adored. Thank you to the MK Theatre Orchestra for playing excellent music and we had a few sing-a-longs. The ugly sisters were wicked, very funny and their costumes as always were outrageous.

Head over to MK Theatre to catch this year’s pantomime in all its glory – running until Sunday 14^th January 2018.