REVIEW: Cinderella at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Cinderella

Newcastle Theatre Royal 

Until Saturday 31 October 2026

Northern Ballet’s first-rate company present Prokofiev’s classic music in a charming, romantic setting by Michael Pink that places the focus on the individual performances by this terrific company.

Northern Ballet are past masters at touring ballet in the modern era. Previous tours have used recorded music to keep down costs, but this production has reinstated their splendid orchestra, albeit in a reduced form, to deliver the extra punch that only live music can bring.

That said, this is a relatively small-scale staging, with a tight, beautifully co-ordinated corps de ballet. Minimal settings by Bruce Brockman and David Grill’s mostly subdued lighting underpin a cast of excellent dancers, giving close attention to characterisation as well as classical technique.

Traditionally, the stepsisters are danced by men, here Yu Waizuka and Andrew Tomlinson, the latter a wonderful grotesque, the former a softer portrayal. I thought it, perhaps, a little too soft, as his natural delicacy made the awkwardness of the character something of a reach. Though I should point out, my companion disagreed with me, thinking their contrast was very effective. Alessia Petrosino was a convincingly villainous stepmother and Harry Skoupas doddled about amiably as Cinderella’s father. I must say, however, that he looked improbably youthful and vigorous for the role.

The story runs true to Perrault’s original form, though Cinderella’s mother fulfils the function of the fairy godmother in an endearing performance by Heather Lehan. One of the highlights is a lovely scene in the garden when the spirits of the seasons, dance in couples to lead up to the presentation of Cinderella’s ballgown and sparkling slippers.

Jack, Cinderella’s below stairs friend, is danced by Harris Beattie, with great style, charm and athleticism. His leaps were a joy to behold, as he positively hung in the air.

Jonathan Hanks is masculine and virile as the prince. He overcame some initial balance issues to demonstrate strong and sympathetic partnering skills, and a solid technique. 

In the titular role, Saeka Shirai, is an absolute delight. Delicate and light as thistledown, she mixes immense charm with flawless classical technique, making a true fairytale princess. Her emergence from a particularly lovely pumpkin coach into the arms of her prince and the enchanting pas de deux that follows are surely the stuff of dreams.

This is not a dazzling spectacular but a charming and involving night of dance, where character, delicacy and romance are to the fore.

Review: Jonathan Cash

Tickets:

https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/northern-ballet-cinderella/