Leave all your rumours of the damsel in distress you’ve heard about Cinderella. This is the real story… of a girl who is brave, strong, clever, and determined to prove herself. EEK member and East London mum of 2 shares her experience.
Tutti Frutti is touring the nation with a classic turned on its head to inspire young girls and clear up the details surrounding that fateful night and the glass slipper. Promising a performance featuring a top team of actor-musicians, songs, dancing, and inventive design, all thrown in with a bit of sparkle and magic for good measure!
Review by East London Mum, Amy Kassell
My seven-year-old daughter has never been one for fairy tales or princesses, so when I suggested we see Tutti Frutti’s The Glass Slippers, she was understandably hesitant. Explaining the concept of a ‘modern reworking’ of Cinderella didn’t quite resonate with her. However, from the moment the performance began, she was captivated—laughing, dancing, and fully engaged with the story. Even after the final curtain, her excitement continued as she marveled at the seamless costume changes and the dynamic relationships between characters.
This rendition of Cinderella presents a protagonist who is strong, clever, and determined—qualities that immediately appealed to my daughter. The supporting characters are equally well-developed; the lonely Prince and the social media-obsessed twins offer a fresh and relatable take on the traditional Prince Charming and Ugly Stepsisters. The portrayal of Cinders’ mother, who becomes her ‘Fairy Godmother’, is handled with sensitivity and creativity, adding depth to the narrative.
The whimsical seaside set is both innovative and enchanting, with actors skillfully interacting with the stage, props, and their ever-evolving costumes. The contemporary score had the entire audience tapping along, and the clever script infused humor and heart into the familiar tale, making it as engaging for adults as it was for children.
The Glass Slippers is precisely the kind of inventive theatre that inspires curiosity and imagination in young audiences. It serves as a delightful alternative to the traditional Christmas pantomime, offering a fresh perspective on a classic story.