⭐⭐⭐⭐
Venue: Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
Dates: Thu 18 Dec 2025 – Sat 3 Jan 2026
“A beautifully dark twist on a beloved classic”
The Lyceum’s festive production this year, Cinderella: A Fairytale, proves that even the most familiar stories can still feel wonderfully unexpected. This isn’t the glitter‑dusted, pumpkin‑to‑carriage Cinderella many will walk in anticipating. Instead, the creative team offers a moodier, more atmospheric retelling that leans into emotion, imagination, and a touch of darkness — and it’s utterly captivating.
One of the most striking choices is the removal of traditional magic. There’s no fairy godmother waving a wand here. Instead, Ella is guided by a flock of exquisite exotic bird puppets, beautifully operated and full of personality. These birds aren’t just decorative; they’re tied to Ella’s memories of birdwatching with her father, giving the story a tender emotional heartbeat. It’s a clever, grounded approach that adds depth without losing the fairytale charm.
The staging is gorgeous — textured, shadowy, and full of visual surprises. At the centre of it all is a prince who is charming precisely because he isn’t the polished fairytale archetype. Sam Stopford plays him with clumsy sincerity and a nerdy sweetness that makes him instantly endearing. His connection with Ella grows naturally, and their dance at the ball is a standout moment: beautifully choreographed, intimate, and full of that tentative spark of two people discovering each other.
The step siblings bring bursts of comedy every time they appear, delightfully outrageous without ever tipping into pantomime. Their energy contrasts brilliantly with Nicole Cooper’s stepmother, whose charismatic presence slowly unravels into something darker and more unhinged as the story progresses. It’s a descent that’s fascinating to watch.
What the Lyceum has created is a dark and delightful retelling — visually inventive, emotionally resonant, and refreshingly original. A perfect winter treat for anyone who enjoys their fairytales with a little more bite.
Cast & Credits
Ella — Olivia Hemmati
Prince — Sam Stopford
Mother — Nicole Cooper
Sister — Christina Gordon
Brother — Matthew Forbes
Father — Richard Conlon
Queen — Carly Anderson
Ensemble — Stephanie Cremona
Ensemble — Leo Shak
Closing Thoughts
Cinderella: A Fairytale is a production that lingers with you — not because of spectacle or glitter, but because of its heart. It’s a story we all think we know, reframed with tenderness, humour, and a surprising emotional depth. The Lyceum has delivered a festive show that feels both familiar and entirely new, and it’s one that families and theatre‑lovers alike will find something to cherish.
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Content Advice: This production includes a moment of comic violence with some blood.
Written by Suzzi Hirst
*tickets in exchange for honest review
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