Interview: Actress Grace Mouat on Rodger’s + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA at Hope Mill Theatre

The European premiere of Rodger’s + Hammerstein’s Cinderella will open at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester next week, starring Grace Mouat (Six, & Juliet, Legally Blonde). We spoke to Grace during rehearsals about her role as Ella, the new production and this retelling of the classic story.

You’re about to play the title role in a new production of Rodger’s + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. What can audiences expect from this new version of the classic story?

Magic, cracking humour, beautiful music, killer choreography, romance, heartbreak and GOOSEBUMPS! You are bound to leave the theatre with a smile on your face and a hopeful heart... and not being able to get 'Impossible' out of your head. Trust me... it's catchy! 

This is the first time that a fully staged version of the show has been performed in the UK. How important is it to you to be a part of that?

It is beyond a DREAM! I am so grateful for the opportunity to bring a fresh spin on this classic fairytale. I cannot wait for audiences to hear this score and this story and hopefully be able to relate to the characters' journeys and feel hopeful when leaving the theatre. Anything is possible! 

Cinderella is known as a classic fairy tale rather than a stage musical. Which other fairy tale musical would you like to perform in? 

100% Rapunzel! When is Tangled the Musical coming to the West End?! I also feel like a musical of the Three Little Pigs would be iconic! 

If you could choose anyone to play opposite you as your Prince (current casting not included), who would it be?

Ermmmmm Harry Styles. 

You appeared in Six the Musical in the West End and on tour, understudying and performing all six Queens. Which one was your favourite to play?

This is the hardest question because it changes all the time! Right now, I think it's a close tie between Aragon and Seymour. Both for different reasons. ‘No Way’ is obviously a BOP and I think Aragon is hilarious but Seymour has a really beautiful, important moment and some really funny lines. 

If you had a time machine and could go back and be anyone in history for one day, who would it be and why?

Anne of Cleves whilst living her best life in the palace. Or my mum before she had me... does my mum count as a historical figure? She is an icon after all.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella plays at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester from 1 November-11 December, with tickets available here.