The Stage

Cinderella

Published Monday 12 December 2011 at 11:39 by Thom Dibdin

There is a strange air of sophistry to Paul Elliott and Allan Stewart’s big, positive and vibrant production of Cinderella for the King’s. It has so much happening you wish they could have been more concise. It’s not just cluttered, but too many elements and routines end up as underused teasers.

Grant Stott (Ugly Sister Gobina McPhlegm) and Ross Marshall (Hocktoo McPhlegm) in Cinderella at the King's Theatre, Edinburgh Photo: Lloyd Smith

Not underused is Stewart - who is at the top of his form and buzzing with energy as Baroness May McSquirrel, packing in the songs, the impersonations and the familiar routines. There could be much more of Andy Gray’s Buttons, who makes it work deliciously.

In the baddy’s corner are Grant Stott as Gobina McPhlegm, with Ross Marshall as his wee sister Hocktoo. Stott is a scene-stealer in his huge dresses and works the audience excellently with a script that uses his local personality to exactly the right level.

For the lovers, Joanne Thomson adds a level of the feisty to Cinderella and has a delightful singing voice. Paul Luebke is less easy on the ear, but is all hunk as a Prince Charming who strips to the waist at the drop of a fencing sword. Katy Heavens ensures it all tinkles along merrily as a vibrant and clear Fairy.