The Stage

Nesbitt and Peake set for BBC1 modern Cinderella

Published Tuesday 19 June 2007 at 16:10 by Matthew Hemley

James Nesbitt and Maxine Peake are to star in a modern adaptation of Cinderella, one of four fairy tales being reworked by Hat Trick Productions for BBC1.

The new version of Cinderella is being written by Richard Pinto and Anil Gupta and will be set inside a university.

It tells the story of Professor Prince, played by Nesbitt, who believes that man was responsible for the evolution of the human race, and cleaner Cindy, played by Peake, who is determined to prove him wrong.

When the opportunity arises to become Professor Prince’s assistant on a research trip to Borneo, students Phoebe, played by Lucinda Raikes, and Fenola, played by Lucy Punch, go out of their way to impress him.

But desperate to be considered herself, Cindy looks to fellow cleaner Alice, played by Mona Hammond, for inspiration.

The cast also features Harriet Walter as Professor Brooks.

The tale is part of an anthology that also includes Rapunzel, The Emperor’s New Clothes and Billy Goat.

All four have been commissioned by controller of BBC fiction Jane Tranter and are due to go out later this year.