Magical, musical reimagining of classic Cinderella story comes to Leeds Playhouse this month

A modern twist on the classic Cinderella fairytale, removing the dated constricts of ‘ugly’ sisters and that ‘happily ever after’ means being rescued by a prince, The Glass Slippers comes to the Bramall Rock Void at Leeds Playhouse on 26 October.

Adapted by BAFTA nominee and Chair of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain Emma Reeves (Tracey Beaker, The Worst Witch), this new touring show from Leeds-based children’s theatre specialist Tutti Frutti is directed by the company’s Artistic Director Wendy Harris.

Writer Emma Reeves said: “Cinderella is one of the most beloved fairytales and one of the oldest stories in the world. Its roots go back thousands of years and can be found in many different cultures and languages. I realised that the traditional Cinderella story says a lot about public image versus reality. In pretty much every version, a poor, overlooked girl becomes a social sensation because she’s got the right clothes. Today’s young people are growing up in a world shaped by the interaction between the real and the virtual. I felt that it was more important than ever to stress the value of personal connection – and finding the truth behind the curated public image.” 

Cinderella loves the outdoors and championing sustainability in her seaside town home, but clashes with her new family who constantly buy new things online and live their lives behind screens. Meanwhile, a lonely Prince Charming is exhausted by portraying someone he’s not for social media during the launch of his ‘Glass Slippers’ brand. When the two of them meet by chance on the beach, it’s clear that they can both be themselves and quickly become friends.

Blending storytelling with an original soulful soundtrack, humour and Tutti Frutti’s distinctive set design, this new spin on the classic fairytale explores perception, authenticity and the wonders of the natural world.

The Glass Slippers is brought to life by a wonderful cast of actor-musicians: Matthew Nicholson (Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Northern Stage; Robin Hood, The Three Inch Fools; Alice in Wonderland, Northumberland Theatre Company), Jazz Harbour (Robin Hood, Seussical the Musical, A Doll’s House) and Hope Yolanda (Ackley Bridge, Channel 4; The Taming of the Shrew, HER Productions; Senses of Responsibility by Lekhani Chirwa and Nadia Eman).

The talented creative team includes Movement director Stuart Bowden, Set and costume designer Catherine Chapman, Lighting designer Sara Burns, Musical designer Christella Litras, Costume designer Delicia Sorhaindo, and Stage Manager Ali Bakewell.