What a joyously refreshing and unique spin this was on the Cinderella story. In a show lasting just under an hour, our two actresses, Lucy Rafton and Daisy Ann Fletcher capture superbly the contemporary millennial lifestyle, speech and demeanor as Barb and Dolly, who, it turns out, are actually Cinderella's "ugly" sisters.
They own a hair salon which, until the death of their mother and Cinderella's engagement to the Prince, was booming and busy. However, the gossip mags and gutter press are inventing untruths about the two elder sisters in order to romanticise and purify Cinderella's upcoming marriage all the more, as each publication vies for readership. The sisters become more and more disgruntled and are now at the point - on the day of the royal wedding - of having lost all their customers. They decide it is time the world knew the truth, and they tell their (real) story of the three sisters.
The dialogue is witty, sharp, and prescient, extremely "of the minute" and cleverly written. It is also interspersed with a few catchy songs which break up the duologue and add greatly to both the characterisations and the production. The set is simple but effective, and items from the salon are used creatively throughout. Sound and lighting are both good.
Rafton and Fletcher work together with ease, - I loved their use of physicality throughout - and since this production is aimed primarily for children, there is much within the script and the directing thereof (Elvi Piper) to engage them right from the start, and the children in this evening's audience were hooked right from the start, laughing and following the story all the way. There are also a couple of jokes for the adults too - a nice touch.
All in all, this was an absolute gem of a piece; delightfully realised, and a funny and clever production to be enjoyed by children and those who are still children at heart! Heartily recommended.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 25.11.21
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 25.11.21
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