Soho Cinders
Charing Cross Theatre
Reviewed β 28th October 2019
β β β β
βdespite being predictable to the end, the story flows as harmoniously as the ensemble singingβ
The setting for βSoho Cindersβ is Old Compton Street, a street that knows no shame, where theatre goers rub shoulders with prostitutes and local businessmen on their way home are having one last drink as they collide with a younger crowd arriving for their first. It is a world which never really existed but you kind of feel it might have done. It is London as we know it, but with a technicolour gloss coating that fits perfectly with this modern-day retelling of βCinderellaβ.
With music by George Stiles, Lyrics by Anthony Drewe and book by Drewe and Elliot Davis, the classic fable is given a satirical twist with a plot that is, in turns, comedic, romantic and serious. The mix of politics, scandal and true love is flawlessly balanced so that, despite being predictable to the end, the story flows as harmoniously as the ensemble singing.
Young, impoverished student Robbie is βCinderellaβ, scraping a meagre living in his late motherβs laundrette, but facing eviction from his βuglyβ stepsisters who run the strip club next door. He just gets by with the occasional pay off from a local βLordβ, but when he begins a secret liaison with the already engaged Mayoral candidate, he looks set to lose everything. And everyone. Luke Bayer captivates as Robbie, having us rooting for him throughout. When he sings βHappy ever afters always turn out wrongβ, we both wish and know that heβll be proven wrong and heβll find his prince. Part of me, however, wishes he would straighten up and fall for his co-worker and best-friend βVelcroβ. Millie OβConnell imbues Velcro with a warmth, loyalty and irreverent wisdom that makes it one of the stand-out performances.
The show stealers are surely Clodagh and Dana, the stepsisters, though they do have a head start. Davisβ script is overflowing with brilliant one liners and these sisters have the lionβs share of them. Michaela Stern and Natalie Harman certainly make a meal of them too with unforgettably hilarious performances. But each character is given their moment to shine, while the ensemble highlights Adam Haighβs dynamic choreography. Stiles and Dreweβs eclectic score is a catchy mix of ballads, duets and showstoppers, ranging from the achingly beautiful βThey Donβt Make Glass Slippersβ through to the fiery βIβm So Over Menβ, which is reprised with a clever double-entendre re-interpretation of its title.
βSoho Cindersβ is a musical with a heart full of passion and a belly full of laughs. As the nights draw in and the cold fronts approach the city, this show will certainly reignite the cinders and leave you with a feeling of warmth. The moral of the fairy-tale is in plain sight, but it doesnβt quench the enjoyment. This incredibly talented cast have as much fun as the audience. An audience who will still be humming the tunes way after midnight. Go! Youβll have a ball.
Reviewed by Jonathan Evans
Photography by Pamela Raith
Soho Cinders
Charing Cross Theatre until 21st December
Previously reviewed at this venue:
Harold and Maude | β β β β | February 2018
It Happened in Key West | β β | July 2018
Mythic | β β β β | October 2018
Violet | β β | January 2019
Amour | β β β β | May 2019
Queen Of The Mist | β β β β | August 2019
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