Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
Northern Ballet’s Cinderella is a celebration of one of the world’s most beloved fairy tales, delivering a five-star evening of escapism. With exceptional choreography by Michael Pink, beautiful and elegant costumes and dramatic score by Prokofiev, this is ballet at its most enchanting.
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| Saeka Shirai and Jonathan Hanks. Photo by Tristram Kenton. |
Pink’s choreography is admirable, with the movements of each principal character and dancer woven into the musical motifs of Prokofiev’s score. The ominous low brass tones perfectly capture the stepmother’s malevolence, while a solo dancer’s movements mirror the clarinet’s melodic line with precision. The harp brings its own magic, glimmering through the score.
Visually, the production is equally captivating. Stunning costumes, imaginative choreography and a simple yet effective set allow the dancers to remain firmly in the spotlight. Yet, amid all this elegance, one moment stands out: the arrival of Cinderella’s carriage. As it glides onto the stage to whisk her away to the ball, an audible gasp of awe ripples through the audience.
As Cinderella, Saeka Shirai delivers a charming and deeply expressive performance, taking us on an emotional journey from sorrow to elation. The loneliness of the opening scenes and the heartache of life under the tyranny of her cruel stepfamily are remarkably conveyed. As her fortunes change, Shirai’s dancing culminates in the joy of her encounter with the Prince. Her movements are graceful and delicate, bringing both vulnerability and strength to the character.
A particularly delightful addition to Pink’s interpretation is Jack, Cinderella’s soulmate and houseboy (Harris Beatie). Bringing speed and energy to the production, he provides a comforting presence for Cinderella. His lively partnership with Shirai adds a layer of charm to the story, making their connection a welcome thread throughout the performance.
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| Photo by Tristram Kenton. |
Cinderella’s pas de deux with the Prince, played by Jonathan Hanks, provides graceful and romantic moments, their movements grand yet tender. In contrast, the stepsisters bring a gloriously mischievous energy to the stage. Performed en travesti by male dancers (Yu Wakizuka and Andrew Tomlinson), the stepsisters are an absolute joy. Their deliberately ungainly movements, exaggerated mannerisms and wonderfully careless demeanour are executed with such confidence. They are characters audiences will be talking about long after the curtain falls. Every entrance brings fresh anticipation and their ability to provoke laughter while maintaining the technical demands of ballet is a testament to the dancers’ skill.
One of the production’s creative sequences comes as the Prince searches for the owner of the glass slipper. Here, the ensemble cast truly shines. Just when it seems every possible reaction to a shoe that does not fit has been exhausted, another reaction emerges. The scene builds into a humorous display of desperation and absurdity from the stepfamily, before delivering the heartwarming inevitability of Cinderella finally being reunited as the rightful owner.
What makes this production so special is its ability to balance spectacle, humour and emotion. It honours the familiarity of a much-loved story while breathing fresh life into it through expressive choreography and memorable characterisation. The comedy never overshadows the romance, and the visual splendour never distracts from the heart of the tale.
The story of Cinderella has endured for centuries. Told here entirely through dance, it proves that words are not always necessary to communicate. Northern Ballet’s production invites audiences of all ages into a world of elegance and sparkle, where cruelty gives way to kindness and hope triumphs over adversity.
I left feeling transported to a beautiful world of enchantment, leaving the theatre with a lighter heart. Northern Ballet’s Cinderella is a magical experience from beginning to end.
Northern Ballet's Cinderella plays in Nottingham until Saturday 24th October 2026 and tours until 2nd January 2027. For tickets and dates, visit https://northernballet.com/cinderella
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| Photo by Tristram Kenton. |
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