Cinderella-The Queens Theatre’s approach of the classic fairytale embarks on a new journey of the story you once knew.

Theatre reviewer Holly Larkin has been to see Cinderella, this year’s panto at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.

Cinderella, a story performed every year during the rush of pantomime season, you’ve seen it all right? Wrong.
The Queens Theatre Hornchurch’s approach of the classic fairytale embarks on a new journey of the story you once knew; a Cinders who is hard of hearing – incorporating flawless BSL translations through the physicality of the actors. A new source of representation for children all over the borough, and possibly, even the country.

Em Prendergast who plays Cinderella.

The Queen’s theatre has invited deaf-inclusive schools to come and watch the show on 29th November, showing all young students, they too, can be the protagonist in the story in a personal way not yet debuted in pantomime before the Queen’s theatre.

Directed by Kate Lovell, audience participation is delightfully interactive, enhancing the comedy and events within the panto’s storyline. The music is infectious, ranging from original songs to mentions of Chapell Roan’s Hot to go, light-hearted and catchy for audiences to enjoy and find themselves singing along themselves.

Em Prendergast’s portrayal of Cinder’s still upholds the gentle, optimistic character we all know and love, who is not defined by her hard of hearing – but instead embraces her ability to sign to express the world around her; creating a new courageous and resilient persona that isn’t often seen in the timeless classic, but was truly needed. Whereas Elizabeth Rowe plays a shy approach to the Prince, who often finds himself tongue-tied around pretty girls; more specifically Cinderella. Both actors communicated with astounding chemistry, despite Rowe only having four days to prepare for the role, the incorporation of BSL and the Prince’s music perfectly enhanced the magic of Christmas pantomime.

Though a thrilling and night full of enjoyment for your little ones, snippets of adult based humour are still weaved throughout the plot, as what’s panto without it? Dominic Gee-Burch and Jared Leathwood’s performance of the ugly sisters, within the style of pantomime Dames, was ridiculously hilarious adhering to all traditional conventions of pantomime by interaction with audiences while adding a modern twist of current trends, even changing their names to Instagramia and TikTokia.

Dominic Gee-Birch and Jared Leatherwood who play the infamous ugly sister.

So if you’re looking for an exciting night out this christmas season, Cinderella at the Queen’s

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