Cinderella, The Vaults - ★★★★ - Until January 12, 2020


This Cinderella is set in an excellently designed, working, east-end pub with all the cast in character right from the moment we enter. The landlady is a tarty harridan superbly played by Lizzie Hopley with exactly the right balance of evil and fun. Cinderella, the delightful Rosa Coduri, is a put-upon barmaid with Louise Haggerty and Megan Pemberton as her splendidly horrible stepsisters. The 'fairy godmother' here is Jimmy Fairhurst, a big rugby lad in sparkling drag who keeps things moving and interacts splendidly with the audience. We even have a pub dog, Buttons; Patrick Knowles bounces around with enormous energy and the doggy's bathtime is a real highlight. Obviously we need a Prince Charming and Jack Condon plays him as a flash, handsome, cockney geezer to perfection. He is so self-obsessed he is astounded when Cinderella rejects his proposal. Most of the traditional elements of the plot are here, but this is definitely not a panto for the children. Throughout the evening there are plenty of songs and laughs and the performances bring exactly the right touch of irony to the proceedings. There is even a little sophistication mixed amongst the low comedy; most definitely a Cinderella for today!

 Reviewed by D.S.J.

  Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until January 12, 2020
Tue - Sat: 7:30 pm, Sat & Sun: 3.30 pm
The Vaults
Nearest tube: Waterloo
https://www.thevaults.london/cinderella
Map & Location: Leake Street via, Eye landmark, York Rd, Opposite, London SE1 7NN, United Kingdom

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