REVIEW:
Matthew Bourne has brilliantly recreated the magical fairytale of Cinderella set in the City of London during the Blitz of the Second World War.

The production opens with film from a Pathe News reel before focussing on an exploited Cinderella who spends her time cleaning up after the family as bombs fall all around the streets of London.

An unforeseen encounter at the Café de Paris introduces Cinderella, Kerry Biggins to her Prince Charming injured RAF pilot Harry, Sam Archer who become separated during the turmoil of war before being reunited.

There is no fairy godmother in this production instead her guardian angel Glenn Graham is Cupid who ensures a happy ever ending in true love.

The ballet is split into three acts of 40 minutes long, however, the show is so spell binding that the time flies by faster than Concorde – emotions are high through the dramatic and magnificent music of Prokofiev as the search for a lost love unfolds.

There are so many highlights in this fantastic production it is almost impossible to choose – act two set in the Café de Paris in the West End where 100 people are killed or injured is unbelievably spectacular as the scene opens in slow motion reverse as the dancers are brought back to life.

Members of this astonishing show are to be congratulated for their exceptional performance.

Lez Brotherston is responsible for the inspired sets and immaculate costumes.

An evening of pure romance - this ballet is divine.

Cinderella runs until Saturday, 21st May at the Bristol Hippodrome.