Oxford Operatic are this week staging Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the New Theatre Oxford. We all know the story of Cinderella,  but this version is maybe not as well known. We’re just coming to the end of Panto season, but this is very far removed from Panto. This musical was created for a television special in 1957, which starred Julie Andrews .

When it was televised, Cinderella had over 100 million viewers! It was then turned into a stage musical, as well as a couple of other filmed versions.  I’d heard about this musical, but somehow never managed to see it. There is something refreshing about discovering a classic piece, and this was a lovely find. Such beautiful songs, and such a lovely romantic story. Yes, you know it will end well, but what an enjoyable, beautiful, sparkly way of getting to a happy ending!

OXOPS started their version with the entire cast on stage, behind a gauze curtain, and in front of a backdrop that left us in no doubt we were in fairy tale land.  The overture and opening number was so beautifully sung, and played by the orchestra. It set the scene, and that beautiful singing continued throughout the show, I’m pleased to say.  In fact OXOPS should be so proud of the quality of their ensemble singing. The melodies and harmonies throughout were striking.  As for the leads, there were some very notable performances.

Cinderella, played by Bella Brown, portrayed the leading lady really well. Unfortunately for press night, there were some technical issues with microphones, and she bore the brunt of this. Her microphone popped within the first few minutes, and sadly the rest of the first half she was in difficulty with her sound. The speaking parts, she was noticeably quieter, but it was the songs where she was at a disadvantage. We could hear she had a lovely singing voice,  but really couldn’t hear it well enough. It was such a shame and in hindsight I feel they should have stopped the show briefly to sort her microphone out,  it was just too key a role to have Bella continue without it. Having said all this, when she returned to the stage in the second act she absolutely nailed the singing! Her characterisation was also spot on.

She was well supported by Benjamin Ashton as Prince Topher, and their duets in the second half were lovely. And then there was Frankie Alexandra as Marie, who was the Fairy Godmother. Oh my, what a standout character. As ‘crazy’ (her words) Marie, she was the village beggar woman, who Ella was kind towards who then transformed into the radiant, kindly godmother, ensuring that Cinderella could go to the ball…and meet her prince! Frankie sang and acted with such warmth, it was joyous.

Other standout performances included the wicked Stepmother Madame, played by stalwart performer Marilyn Moore, and her two daughters Gabrielle and Charlotte, played with gusto by Josceline Edwards and Rachel Garnet. All three managed to steer clear of caricature, and acted and sung with sincerity. Garnet in particular was a bundle of energy and fun!  Glen Young as Sebastian and Stephen Pascoe as Lord Pinkleton also shone.  All in all the cast did a great job.

Mention should also go to costume. The ball scenes were delightful, and the transformations of both Cinderella and Marie were very cleverly done. 

I certainly felt the second half worked much better than the first. It’s hard to say whether this was due to the sound issues, but it just seemed tighter, and the songs really worked.

All in all, this production was a lovely version of a lesser known gem. Its songs and melodies may be from a more innocent age, but sometimes you just need to be swept up, and transported to such a world, and leave the theatre on a cold damp January night with a tune in your head, and romance and warmth in your heart!

This show was reviewed on the 14th December 2024 at the New Theatre Oxford where it runs until the 18th January 2025.  Tickets available here: OXOPS presents Cinderella Tickets | New Theatre Oxford in Oxford | ATG Tickets

Review written by Ruth Hawkins

AD/Gifted

Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.