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This year everyone gets an invitation to go to the ball, thanks to this sensational, sensory storytelling production.Summary
Rating
Excellent
Go on, admit it – Christmas is coming. And it’s fabulous that this year there’s a theatrical gift on the list for absolutely everybody, in the form of Sensory Cinders. This creative co-production by Concrete Youth and Barnsley Civic is devised with the needs of those labelled with profound and multiple learning disabilities firmly at the forefront, and it is an hour of superb music and fun performances, alongside personal, caring interaction.
A pantomime version of Cinderella, the story is told using a variety of styles and techniques to make it accessible and enjoyable for an audience who might not communicate primarily through language, but rather through sensory means. The plot is familiar: Cinders wants to go to the ball but her stepsister won’t let her. With the help of her Fairy Godmother she attends and meets a handsome Prince, who tracks her down after she leaves abruptly at midnight. Throw in a colourful panto dame in the form of Mama Disco and you’ve got a heap of opportunities for fun and frolics before they all live happily ever after.
The care this show has for its audience is tangible before even getting to the stage, with visual stories and an access table available to prepare for the visit, and the cast introducing themselves to their audience before they take their seats. The production starts with each key guest being greeted in a personal song and given an invitation for the ball. This is a space where they are welcome and wanted.
There’s an impressively strong cast of actors/musicians here, although there didn’t appear to be any performers with a disability. I was blown away by the quality of the music and harmonised singing, which is beautiful – particularly when accompanied live by cello, violin and accordion. Hats off to Composer/Musical Director Guy Hughes for an utterly enchanting score. The combination of talents enhances the fairy tale atmosphere beautifully. Throughout the show the cast use Makaton and direct approaches to the audience to ensure that everyone feels a part of the event. Even the carers are called upon to interact, trying out Cinders’ shoe to see if it fits.
All the classic panto elements are referenced, from the OTT panto dame played gloriously by Mark Pearce in a big pink wig and sparkly frock (even throwing in some cheeky lines for the adults!), to a spot of romance between Cinders (Ellana Gilbert) and her Prince (Kaine Hatukai). There’s a bratty stepsister portrayed fabulously by Jess Lobo in funky pink boots, and Emilia Harrild is an outstanding Fairy Godmother who manages to be kind but a bit supernatural and creepy all at the same time. Hugo Dodsworth’s lighting design is active and visually interesting. With an “Oh no you didn’t!” sequence and even a bit of disco, the whole thing is fun and paced perfectly, textured so that it’s at no point overwhelming.
The guests are invited to engage actively in the performance in simple ways, like helping Cinders to change her dress, or using sensory mirrors with crafted tactile frames. The cast get right up close to ensure maximum visibility and personal engagement. Yet, although extra attention is given to audience members with disabilities, to ensure they have everything they need to enjoy the show, there’s really no dumbing down; this is a production for anyone and everyone to enjoy, with a message reinforcing individual autonomy and choice.
Sensory Cinders is a humorous, beautifully considered and enjoyable show bringing a special kind of sparkle and magic to many a family at Christmas. And this year, everyone gets an invitation to the ball!
Directed by: Belle Streeton
Composed, Musical Director & Sound Design by: Guy Hughes
Producer & Makaton Direction by: Daniel Swift FRSA
Set & Costume Design by: Stella Backman
Lighting Design by: Hugo Dodsworth
Sensory Cinders runs at @sohoplace Studio until Tuesday 5 November. Further information and booking details can be found here.
