This week we had the pleasure of watching the first preview of The Brothers Grimm Present: Cinderella at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, written by Alan Pollock and composed & arranged by Tarek Merchant. It’s a story we all know so well but in this version, it’s from the perspective of the famous German duo The Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm (played by Jesse Ashby and Matthew Romain respectively).

As the brothers turn the pages of their light up book, we see the piece unveil itself before us and as the cogs of the brothers minds work to create the story, our story literally comes to life before us on stage. The story, as in the title, is about Cinderella but a retelling of the story unlike anything you'll have seen before. 

There are so many highlights of the show, including the intricate and thoughtfully designed set by Cory Shipp, and the way director Francesca Goodridge masterly utilises and optimises the space, but what brings the most joy is the sheer TALENT from our delightful ensemble. You could attend this show just to see the joyful live music alone, with most of the cast playing instruments, many playing multiple, from the beginning of the piece right until the very end. Not only is the show wonderful to watch, it is a showcase of some of the multi-talented performers we have in this country. 

The title role of Cinderella is played by Tanya Bridgeman who has the challenging task of commanding the space for the majority of the story and it must be said, she is positively resplendent in the role, keeping the audience engaged throughout. Jesse Ashby and Matthew Romain are also marvellous to watch within the roles they played, with Ashby’s turn as the wicked stepmother particularly inspired and hilarious to boot. 

There is also great comic timing and moving musicianship produced by the rest of the cast, including Celia Cruwys-Finnigan, Anna Fordham, Elzbieta Kalicka and Emily Panes. A fantastic job all round! 

The show, however innovative, is still in need of some slight sharpening. The songs need to be as audacious and colourful as the rest of the piece, as they seem a bit too one tone for a show as unique as this. It also doesn’t always seem to sit in the best place for the some of the singers vocally. Occasionally it is also confusing as to the ages of Cinderella and the Prince. Furthermore, by the second act, the story starts to go off on some strange tangents, including the ending so some reworking is required.

All this being said, the Barn Theatre yet again astound with their raw and visceral storytelling and we salute them for always daring to go the extra mile with their productions. There isn’t a theatre in the UK like them! The cast and creatives should be very proud of what they’ve achieved with this production. 

Do you want to be entertained this Christmas? Then by car, train, snowboard or sleigh, get yourself down to the Barn Theatre. 

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: James Edge

The Brothers Grimm present Cinderella runs until 2 January 2022, with tickets available here.