Mama Disco’s party is coming up and “you’re on the list” for the social event of the year…unless you’re Cinders. But the magical forest, where she grew up, has more than a few surprises in store and it seems that she may be able to go to the party after all. But will her Prince like her for who she truly is underneath the sparkles and will they be free to live the life they wish for themselves?

Specifically designed for people with multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), Sensory Cinders is breaking new ground and revolutionising accessible theatre by being the first sensory pantomime. Co-produced by Concrete Youth and Barnsley Civic, this actor-muso production combines Makaton, sensory items designed by Henshaw Arts & Crafts and carefully designed lighting and sound to create a production which appeals to every sense. In the cast announcement for the show, co-Artistic Director of Concrete Youth, Belle Streeton, said: “We believe it is hugely important to provide a positive cultural experience in going to the theatre, where nothing is diluted or toned down but still delivered in an accessible way,” showing how committed the creative team are in making a big step to bring accessible theatre to the forefront of British theatre. In doing so, attempting to bridge the generally perceived gap between ‘disabled theatre’ and ‘regular theatre’.

This production is very well considered and places audience members at the heart of the story from the moment they enter the theatre space. Actors come out and introduce themselves and the roles they will be playing before guiding the audience to their seats in the realm of the magical forest. This high level of interaction is maintained throughout the performance, with audience members frequently being invited to participate in the story by actors who bend down to their level playing characters who spoke their language. As such, the performance is more of a mutual exchange between storyteller and the individual who came to watch.

Given the long history of adaptations of the Cinderella story, it is refreshing to see a vastly different take on this classic. With simple yet impactful lyrics by Guy Hughes, the underlying message of self-love and the importance of autonomy for individuals within the disabled community shines through, making an unapologetic statement and generating a feeling of empowerment and allyship. To do this through the medium of pantomime is a genius idea and James Worthington (the pantomime specialist) brings along his expertise to create a new kind of pantomime, which utilises common tropes in clever ways to adapt the form to the needs of the audience, whilst maintaining the traditional essence of panto we all know and love.

It is difficult to highlight stand out performances within the cast themselves because they are all outstanding. From the whimsical forest-esque Fairy Godmother, played by Emilia Harrid, bringing quite literally a touch of magic to the realm to the shy and misunderstood Prince, played by Kaine Hatukai, standing by Cinders, played by Ellana Gilbert, who steps into his world to be beside him and fight for a better more accepting world.

There is nothing more profoundly moving than the gift that is cast members highlighting how beautiful and accepted the audience members are by bringing around mirrors for them to look into to see this for themselves.

Whether you are a member of the PMLD/disabled/neurodiverse community or not, this is definitely a show worth seeing, if not to have your own experiences reflected back at you, then to gain a new perspective on inclusion, acceptance and how theatre can actively be built for every community if we put the effort into building it that way.

An enchanting fairytale highlighting the most gorgeous parts of the real world.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Megan O’Neill

Sensory Cinders plays at @sohoplace until 5 November, with further info here.