Cinderella At The Old Rep – Great Fun!

Birmingham’s Old Rep Theatre has another hit on its hands. Following on from last years Christmas show, The Wizard of Oz, director Lorna Laidlow has this year turned to that most traditional of pantos, Cinderella, and turned it into something exciting and new. The ugly sisters are now more Kardashian than Bridgerton, Cinderella wears Converse rather than glass slippers (because, let’s face it, who can dance wearing glass slipprs…), and the accents are decidedly Birmingham (oh yes they are bab!). This all makes for a show that is great fun, funny and warm and offering something different on the Birmingham Christmas.

Cinderella has a great cast, with many returning to the theatre from last year. Cinders herself is the charming and talented Jaiden Tsang who is great in the leading role. Also returning from last year is Jordan Laidley as Dandini, he is a force of nature who can make you laugh with just a turn of expression, or an ad lib. Stefan Davis as the Prince is suitably dashing, and has a great chemistry with both Cinderella and Dandini. Julie Ann Baker is unbelievably glamorous and devilish as the evil Baroness Hardup, so funny when she ‘malfunctions’ due to needing a charging point, whilst Therese Collins is a very funny Brummie Fairy Godmother, playing the role for laughs which totally works, Best of all are the ‘ugly sisters’ Chloe (Sam Yetunde) and Kim (Victoria Tew), not really ugly at all, but a riot of pink and yellow as wannabe social media influencers, complete with their own catchphrase, ‘gorgeous’.

The cast is nicely backed by Henry Hart as Buttons, and the ensemble cast from BOA, who provide lovely vocals and dance, particularly on the opening number ‘Good Morning Birmingham’. There are lovely bits of humour, particularly a reference to the ongoing bin strikes, and lots of Brummie chat which the enthusiastic audience totally appreciated. The Cinderella transformation scene with the coach and the dress is enchanting, a really lovely moment, and a special appearance by a fantastic drumming group at the ball is a brilliant, exciting touch.

Cinderella is lovely family entertainment this Christmas.

Until 31st December, ticket information here.

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