Jade Lauren and cast members rehearse for Cinderella: the AWESOME truth at Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre. Picture: Ali Wright
Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre has unveiled details of the world premiere of madcap musical adventure Cinderella: the AWESOME truth this festive season.
Written and directed by Sarah Punshon, with music and lyrics by the award-winning Felix Hagan (Operation Mincemeat), the contemporary take on the classic fairy story co-created by Toni-Dee Paul takes its inspiration from a series of conversations with children and scientists.
Due to play the popular South West London venue from 12 November 2021 until 30 January 2022, Cinderella: the AWESOME truth will feature Jade Lauren (Rent, Shaw Theatre) as Cindy, Tiajna Amayo (NYT REP company) as Ella, James Keningale (Henry V, OVO) as Prince Charming and LJ Parkinson (Death Drop, The Garrick Theatre) as Dandini.
Co-produced by One Tenth Human, the production will feature set and costume design by Oliver Townsend, with puppets created by Judith Hope, lighting and video by Gillian Tan and sound design by Tom Attwood. The creative team also includes movement director Jreena Green and One Tenth Human producer Rafia Hussain.
Commenting on the production, co-creator and director Punshon said: “We know children from a really young age are grappling with pressure to look a certain way. So, we talked to our scientific advisors about how to create a joyful Christmas show that would help boost kids’ self-esteem.
“Our heroes learn that what they look like on the outside, what kind of dress they wear or what kind of hair they have, is absolutely not the most important thing about them.
“I’m so excited to bring these characters to the main stage in the gorgeous new Polka building. Felix’s songs are incredibly joyful, the perfect way to celebrate Christmas!”
Co-creator Paul added: “It’s been so exciting developing our unique take on the classic story. It all started with the team going into schools and asking children what they thought a contemporary Cinderella and Prince might be like – that’s how Ella ended up being into parkour and boxing!
“They told us what was important and exciting about the story, and we ran with their ideas – as well as coming up with some of our own… They also told us what kind of music they love – and so Felix has written these amazing tunes.”
Polka’s Christmas season also features a fantastical reimagining of Clement Clarke Moore’s classic Christmas Eve poem The Night Before Christmas. Written by Olivier Award-nominee Hattie Naylor and directed by Roman Stefanski The Night Before Christmas features designs by Kate Bunce and original music from Julian Butler.
A co-production with Royal & Derngate Northampton, the seasonal show will be the first production in Polka’s new Adventure Theatre and will run from 4 December 2021 until 16 January 2022.
Commenting on The Night Before Christmas, director Stefanski said: “The fun magic of making theatre is being able to pick up any topic, story, incident, happening, dream and create a play.
“The creative team have had an exciting time in being inspired by the well-known Christmas poem and adapting it, making it feel more relevant to the experiences and values of children today.
“This warm-hearted and wonderful journey tells of a young girl and a reindeer working out their grumps and differences to form a friendship that reaches the skies, spreading gifts around the world! How? Well that’s for you to come and see and find out. Welcome to The Night Before Christmas…”
Angela Thomas
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