Sensory Cinders
The festive season has begun and this panto offering from Concrete Youth and Barnsley Civic is an incredible piece of theatre. Aimed at audiences living with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) there are many wonderful adaptations made here focusing on those who may not use verbal or auditory forms of communication, instead focusing on other senses to allow an enjoyable time for everyone. This is the first of its kind in the West End and it is a shining example of truly inclusive, sensory theatre.
The story of Cinderella remains unchanged here, Cinders (Ellana Gilbert) wants to attend a ball, but her nasty step-family (Jess Lobo) won’t let her, so her fairy Godmother (Emilia Harrild) steps in and saves the day. Cinders meets a prince (Kaine Hatukai) and falls in love, who then tracks her down by using the shoe she left behind at the ball. It’s a classic pantomime and they have stuck true to its original story for the most part. The traditional dame role is that of Mama Disco (Mark Pearce) a glittery woman who just loves to dance!
The fun starts before the play begins though, as we enter the foyer there are tables set up with things to touch and ask questions about that will feature in the piece, such as leaves, apples and glitter which allows for tactile play. Two members of the cast are available to speak to, we can look closely at their costumes, ask any questions and learn a little about their characters.
We are then taken into the studio space which has been transformed into a woodland grove, with a large twisted tree trunk at the far end, leaves hanging from the ceilings with lights everywhere making the space feel magical. The care and attention to detail is quite marvellous. As the piece opens, the cast enter with various musical instruments and each important guest being greeted in a personal song and given an invitation for the ball. They are welcome in this space and wanted here. The use of Makaton throughout adds a wonderful element to the communication between actors and audience.
The actors clearly care about their audience, they interact with them gently and calmly. There are moments of magic in the show and the audience are invited to take part, whether that be making a spell to change Cinders’ dress or dancing along at the ball. The music by Guy Hughes is beautifully written, it keeps things simple but helps to tell the story. In particular the song when Cinders finds her prince and falls in love is a delight.
This truly is innovative theatre, we have not seen anything like this in the West End before and I hope we see many more pieces like this in the future where everyone can feel safe, welcome and respected.
This show was reviewed on the 1st November 2024 at @sohoplace, London where it runs until the 5th November 2024. Tickets available here: Sensory Cinders | London | @sohoplace
Review written by Rosie Browne
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Photo credit: Shona Louise
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