REVIEW: Cinderella - A Socially Distanced Ball (Turbine Theatre).
Cinderella – The Socially Distanced Ball (online)
Turbine Theatre
★★★★
I love the opportunity to experience something different that theatre has to offer and Turbine Theatre does exactly that with its production of Cinderella: A Socially Distanced Ball. It’s another theatre in the line of those who’s live performances were cut short. They’ve made this performance available to watch online at £12.50 and on a friend’s recommendation, I had to give it a watch.
This pantomime is strictly for adults, a cheeky alternative to the more traditional show you’d see with the kids! In an hour, this performance delivers you with a much needed escape from these tough times. The show is sharp and sassy but with a stellar performance value behind it too.
Cinderella: A Socially Distanced Ball delivers a lot of jokes aimed at the government, coronavirus and all of the restrictions that have disturbed our everyday lives this year. It definitely feels like a rebellious stance on what has been a very difficult year for everyone, especially the arts. Rufus Hounds (who takes on the Buttons character) encourages the audience to shout ‘F**k the Tories’ every time he enters on stage, a fantastic stance towards a frustrating British government. A heart stopping moment was the finale. Through an alternative take on the hit musical Six’s song, Six, a fantastic air punch moment for those gagging for the theatre to make a complete comeback asap.
This production moves at lightning speed; with great spirit and pace behind it thanks to Lizzy Connolly‘s production. We transition through the different jokes thick and fast, with barely a breath to allow it to truly sink in. There is definitely something in this show about its sentimental value that makes it an enjoyable watch too. I loved the regular references to theatre through music – it worked so well with the story.
The casting in this show is sublime; Scott Paige‘s Fanny and Oscar Conlon- Morrey‘s Vajayjay are so sharp and feisty. They have an effortless chemistry between themselves, making them one of the best portrayals of two ugly stepsisters that I have seen in a Cinderella production. Rufus Hound has a real charm to his take as Buttons, Daisy Wood-Davis has a natural bounce and energy to Cinderella and Debbie Kurup was great at exaggerating Prince Charming’s character. Sean Parkin brings a sparkle to the stage as the fairy too.
Cinderella – A Socially Distanced Ball is a great fizz of energy and outrageous fun for the adults this Christmas. If you’re looking for something for the adults to tuck into once the kids are in bed over the festive period, this is undoubtedly the show for you.
You can now restream this naughty 2020 pantomime once again this Christmas from 20 December 2021 until 9 Jan 2022. Book your stream and find out further information here.