Wow. Just Wow.
If you have tickets booked, prepare to be utterly enchanted. Birmingham Royal Ballet’s (BRB) stunning production of Cinderella is a masterpiece (we wouldn’t expect anything less from one of the World’s finest ballet companies), weaving magic, elegance, and breathtaking ballet into an unforgettable evening. With a talented cast, exquisite choreography by the visionary David Bintley, and a musical score that stirs the soul, this is a fairytale brought to life in the most spectacular way.
The moment the first note of Sergei Prokofiev’s score fills the air, expertly conducted by Paul Murphy and performed by the ever-brilliant Royal Ballet Sinfonia, you know you’re in for a treat. John Macfarlane’s opulent set and costume designs transport you from Cinderella’s bleak home to the grandeur of the Prince’s ball. Every detail, from the twinkling ballgowns to the incredible stage transformations that half the time are so cleverly done, that you don’t see it happen. A pure work of art.
Yu Kurihara makes the perfect Cinderella, embodying grace, resilience, and an ethereal charm that has you captivated on the edge of your chair with every movement. Opposite her, Lachlan Monaghan is the perfect prince – charismatic, strong, and with an almost twinkling smile. Their chemistry believable as you long for them to get together and head off towards the sunset as one.
But I have to admit, the stars of the show for me were Eilis Small and Olivia Chang Clarke as the Stepsisters. They had the audience giggling away with their exaggerated antics. I know you’re not meant to like them, but they’re brilliant and the best performing step sisters I’ve ever seen. I’ll be giggling for days thinking about these.
The seasonal fairies – Reina Fuchigami (Spring), Céline Gittens (Summer), Sofia Liñares (Autumn), and Rachele Pizzillo (Winter) – were also awesome. Each bringing their unique charm and energy to the stage. Céline especially has phenomenal stage presence and is a delight to watch dance.
From the charming Prince’s Friends (Riku Ito, Jack Easton, Louis Andreasen, Shuailun Wu, Tom Hazelby) to the fantastical Frog Coachman and Lizard Footmen, every single performer contributes to the magic (and the giggles). The Royal Ballet Sinfonia, under Paul Murphy’s baton, delivers Prokofiev’s soaring melodies with precision and passion, immersing the audience in every act. There’s something incredibly special about hearing them play alongside watching the ballet. It’s a real treat.
As the programme says, it’s “an enchanting fairytale and a glorious celebration of ballet.”
BRB’s Cinderella is truly outstanding. A production that stirs the heart, dazzles the eyes, and reminds us all of the transformative power of dance. From its captivating performances to its stunning visuals and flawless orchestration, this is ballet at its finest.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Five stars and an absolute MUST-SEE!
Book your tickets here as it continues its UK and international tour in Birmingham, Salford, Sunderland, Bristol, Plymouth and Tokyo: https://www.brb.org.uk/shows/cinderella
It’s always the ‘villains’ or the ‘bad guys’ that are a hit though right? More audience interaction and memorable moments!
Looks great and great review!