My First Cinderella – English National Ballet

Photo © David Jenson

Last year Harriet (then almost two) and I went to see My First Sleeping Beauty. Harriet was entranced and still remembers scenes and having to shout to tell the reluctant prince to "Kiss her!"

Since then Harriet has started ballet lessons and is one year older. We were both looking forward to My First Cinderella at the Peacock Theatre. This production is a superb introduction to theatre and ballet.The auditorium was packed with excited children – some dressed quite spectacularly – but as the curtain rose there was complete silence...

Once again Jane Wymark narrated the story, scripted by herself and choreographer/director George Williamson, the music, of course, is by Sergei Prokofiev.

Jane Wymark has a fabulous stage presence and encourages the audience to participate at the appropriate moments. The script is pitch perfect and the dancers were a joy to watch. The two step sisters played to the gallery with their sibling rivalry and unpleasantness and were very funny to watch dancing and behaving badly at the ball. The only time Harriet turned away was at the arrival on stage of the Jester but she soon relaxed and enjoyed his stunning – and acrobatic – performance. Cinderella and the Prince make a visually captivating pair.

My First Cinderella has two acts lasting half an hour with a 20 minute interval for visits to the loo and buying ice creams. At the end Harriet just sat there and wouldn't move. "I don't want to go home. I want to see it again!" Praise indeed!

Presented by the English National Ballet and English National Ballet School, the My First... concept will create another generation of ballet and theatre enthusiasts.

PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

My First Cinderella is on at the Peacock Theatre until 4 April when it then goes on its UK tour.