Although a fairly frequent theatre goer, I was excited for my first experience of the fabulous Hope Mill Theatre. I went there to watch the UK theatrical premier of the Broadway version of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
The super-talented team originally planned to produce and share the production back in 2020, but obviously with a pandemic taking over, the stage show has sat on the back burner ever since.
Fast forward to November 2022 and I joined an excited, packed crowd for the rescheduled Cinderella press night. It was a couple of weeks later than originally planned after the leading lady Grace Mouat became injured earlier this month. However, I’m pleased to report that the old-fashioned saying ‘good things come to those who wait’ has never rung more true.
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This classic tale is retold in the most wonderful way, a modern twist, and some lighthearted humour thrown in for good measure, and even a touch of political showdown to add to the feel good factor, which the show offers by the bucket-loads with this production. It’s a fast paced show, and the performers have the crowd enthralled from just a couple of minutes in.
Every performer works the stage and captures the crowd’s imagination reeling them, but stand-out for me, were Grace Mouat, playing the lovely, kind Ella, her wicked stepmother Annie Aitken who plays Madame, and Ella’s charming Prince Topher, played by Jacob Fowler.
Expect impressive staging, clever special effects, high-energy dance routines and choreography and beautiful singing, along with fantastic costumes. This musical has all the elements to be one of the best shows in Manchester this season. It’s a show suitable for all ages, I urge everyone to visit and experience the magic the production team have created.
Every scene has been carefully considered to make it as good and impactful as it can be. Meanwhile, we sit back with cosy seating overlooking the impressively ornate stage, surrounded by the rugged background of the mill that has been amazingly restored to house this theatre of dreams!
Hope Mill Theatre is an intimate space, but don’t be fooled by this beautifully bijou venue with its quirky olde worlde Manchester Industrial backdrop, this is a big production that does spectacular things. The production has been brilliantly directed by artistic director and co-founder of Hope Mill Theatre, Joseph Houston, and co-directed and choreographed by executive director and co-founder William Whelton. Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella musical, which was originally written for television back in 1957 is in perfect hands.
Hope Mill Theatre also offers a Cinderella Dance Workshop, a ticketed event taking place on the 27th November, with tickets available on the website for only £3 plus booking fee. Another special touch from this hidden gem of a theatre!
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