Matthew Bourne’s interpretation of this classic as a World War II love story works surprisingly well. The internationally acclaimed choreographer’s interpretation of the classic fairy tale has, at its heart, a true war-time romance. The surround sound of a tube arriving successfully added to this. They are both in their 1940’s style underwear which immediately creates a vulnerability to the scene. Why did you choose to set the world’s most famous fairy tale during the London Blitz in 1940? Sir Matthew Bourne. Matthew Bourne's Cinderella. So captivating are the opening scenes of Sir Matthew Bourne’s latest retelling of Cinderella, that the audience could be forgiven for forgetting that they are at the ballet at all.There is an almost cinematic feel to the performance which, in true Matthew Bourne style, is certainly not the traditional fairytale story made famous by Disney. Despite this, there were moments that were flawlessly executed. Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344, Language, Cultures, Art History and Music, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, See all schools, departments, research and professional services. Ahmanson Theatre. The set transported the audience to so many realistic and magical places. Go behind the scenes of our award-winning production of Cinderella. Cinderella's love interest in this version is not a traditional prince but an RAF pilot and her step brother Malcolm also falls in love with a dashing American GI named Buster. Rent or purchase your copy of Matthew Bourne's Cinderella. Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella is a thrilling and evocative love story set in London during the Second World War. Still, this glorification is present throughout the entire performance, including the other male characters dressed in uniform, as all the women in the piece clearly want their attention. Cinderella and the prince then begin to perform a stunningly intimate dance, full of lifts and other dynamic movements that capture all the magic and romance that is expected in a performance of this classic fairy-tale. Photo: Hugo Glendinning. Although the ball that follows in one of impressive dancing and vibrant set design, it seems to go on for slightly too long and confuses the storyline when Cinderella seems to leave the prince before going back to him. This means that you’ll be able to access all of the titles from our ‘Festival of Classics’ including Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet and The Car Man with the added bonus of Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella. The lighting and music also aided the overall atmosphere of the performance. However, moments of intense colour such as the hellish bombed scene that act II began with, stood out against the mundane costumes and background colours. Matthew Bourne — The Master Storyteller of Modern Dance ... Bourne’s Cinderella, set to Prokofiev’s score, had its world premiere in London in 1997 and sets the story amid the chaos of the Second World War. Matthew Bourne's Cinderella – review Sadler's Wells, London ‘A big, all-heart performance’: Kerry Biggin in the title role with Sam Archer in Matthew Bourne's Cinderella at Sadler's Wells. A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the Blitz. Matthew Bourne’s interpretation of the classic fairy tale has, at its heart, a true war-time romance. However, the scene that followed was by far my favourite: We are met by the prince walking on stage where Cinderella sleeps in a bed. London 1940… the blackout… a siren sounds… Following the sold-out and critical success of The Red Shoes, New Adventures returned in 2017 with one of our most popular and beloved productions, Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella – a thrilling and evocative love story, set in London during the Second World War. Nominated for Best New Dance Production, MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS AWARDS 2011 Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella, at the Kennedy Center’s Opera House through Sunday, is brilliantly imagined and executed.Forget your Disney conceptions, or even the Rostislav Zakharov or Frederick Ashton ballet precursors to the same score by Sergei Prokofiev. A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the Blitz. Let's celebrate Matthew Bourne, the great showman of British dance, World Premiere: 26 Sept 1997 at the Piccadilly Theatre, London. Carmel Morgan To inaugurate the new year, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures Company returned to the Kennedy Center with a new production of his popular retelling of Cinderella. Set in London during the Second World War, the drama features Cinderella and a dashing young RAF pilot. Matthew Bourne s vivid storytelling has never been more heart-stopping and his interpretation of the classic fairy tale has, at its heart, a true war-time romance. “Admit passersby!” urged Britain’s wartime instructions. Matthew Bourne has re-cast the iconic grandmotherly role as a slender silver-maned male angel attired completely in flashing silver togs. Matthew Bourne’s interpretation of this classic as a World War II love story works surprisingly well. Matthew Bourne's Cinderella Los Angeles Tickets Matthew Bourne's Cinderella Los Angeles Tickets Loosely based on the fairy tale of the same name, Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella tells a love story in the midst of World War II. Every costume we see is a shade of grey- even the extravagant ball gowns- depicting the bleak reality of the war that is constantly hanging over each character’s head. Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella is a thrilling and evocative love story told in dance. The internationally acclaimed choreographer’s interpretation of the classic fairy tale has, at its heart, a true war-time romance. 1125342 | Company No. English poetry is not yet fit to speak of them. With fluid movements and undulating bodies, Matthew Bourne’s world-class ballet troupe pay homage to a story which will hold up for all time. The 2010 revival was first performed on 15 November 2010 at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth then opened on 8 December 2010 at Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Ashton's Cinderella and the traditional story was set in an unmarked era, a classical and fantastical time, whereas Matthew's Cinderella was set in 1940s London. Inspired by the knowledge that Prokofiev wrote his Cinderella score between 1940 and 1944 during World War II, Matthew chose to set his version of Cinderella during the early 1940’s whilst Britain was at war. The show had its Japanese premiere at the Tokyu Theatre Orb on 3 October 2018. It is based broadly on the 1948 film The Red Shoes by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.The set and costume designs are by Lez Brotherston.The ballet was premiered on 6 December 2016 at Sadler's Wells Theatre, London, by Bourne's ballet company, New Adventures. The pair fall in love but are parted by the horrors of the blitz. BBC Two - Matthew Bourne's Cinderella This programme is not currently available on BBC iPlayer A thrilling, evocative and modern love story told in dance. What of Cinderella’s godmother? A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot—together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the Blitz. Now 26, the dancer travels the world with Matthew Bourne’s company New Adventures, performing roles that most male dancers only dream of: the Lilac Fairy from “Sleeping Beauty” and the … Following the sold-out and critical success of The Red Shoes New Adventures returned in 2017 with one of our most popular and beloved productions, Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella – a thrilling and evocative love story, set in London during the Second World War. The internationally acclaimed choreographer’s interpretation of the classic fairy tale has, at its heart, a true war-time romance. Nor is it about deeds, or lands, nor anything about glory, honour, might, majesty, dominion, or power, except War. Matthew Bourne’s productions are known for their fresh and intriguing twist on classics. Moments of intense colour from the lights depicted the time of day, the weather and much more, whilst the music added to the suspense of each scene. 06548321. This may be to show the ‘good’ characters, however, the fairy godmother seems both good and evil, particularly when playing the doctor character, or when hovering over the ball seemingly causing the explosion. However, when the fairy-godmother character then comes on and seemingly reverses time and allows Cinderella to attend the ball, the story becomes increasingly more magical and supernatural, especially when Cinderella eventually arrives in her spectacular dress. This intriguing mix of good and evil is a fitting reflection of the war. (Francine Orr / … Edgbaston A major UK and European Tour followed until May 2011. Set during World War II, CINDERELLA fans the flames of war while weaving a love story for all times. The trauma of war spreads like spilled ink through Matthew Bourne’s dark but deeply interesting and affecting “Cinderella,” where fairy-tale characters have … Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella is a thrilling and evocative love story told in dance. As the war sirens engulf the room with the clever use of surround sound, it is clear that this version of Cinderella is not the fairy-tale we are all accustomed to. The London underground stood out for me as it captured exactly what it feels like. Set in London during the Second World War, Cinderella’s “prince” is a dashing RAF pilot. Birmingham B15 2TT A chance meeting results in a magical moment for Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the Blitz. Los Angeles, CA- Matthew Bourne's Adventures in Motion Pictures, despite the strange but aptly clever name, is possibly Britain's best- established contemporary dance company. Matthew Bourne’s interpretation of the classic fairy tale has, at its heart, a true war-time romance. A reinterpretation of the classic fairy tale, it features heart-stopping choreography and vivid, truthful characters. © 2021 New Adventures Charity | Registered Charity No. Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella is a thrilling and evocative love story told in dance. Cinderella fills me with optimism for the future of dance. Four of the most beloved New Adventures productions–Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, The Car Man, Cinderella, and Romeo and Juliet–are available on demand in rotation through April 4.Three of the productions have never been seen on stage in New York. As Cinderella wakes up the lighting starts to brighten slightly to a beautiful orange colour, creating the feel of a sunrise, or perhaps a fiery reflection of London burning outside. Overall Bourne’s stylistic interpretation of Cinderella was something completely unexpected. In Matthew Bourne’s dance-theater production of “Cinderella,” we find a reminder to open up … Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella is a thrilling and evocative love story set in London during the Second World War. In addition to this, the fairy godmother and Cinderella both wear white costumes- the fairy-godmother throughout, and Cinderella at the ball. However, this idealistic image of a war hero is shattered when you consider the brutal and murderous nature of war. The evil stepmother, however, is very clearly always seen in black. A reinterpretation of the classic fairy tale, it features heart-stopping choreography, vivid, truthful characters, and is one of New Adventures’ most popular and beloved creations. A chance meeting results in a magical moment for Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the Blitz. A reinterpretation of the classic fairy tale, it features heart-stopping choreography, vivid, truthful characters. With Lez Brotherston’s sumptuous costumes and sets, which won an Olivier Award for his original designs, lighting by Olivier Award-winning Neil Austin and video and projection designed by Duncan McLean, Cinderella is performed in Surround Sound, designed by Paul Groothuis and featuring a specially commissioned recording played by a 60 piece orchestra. This dark and grey aesthetic is also reflected in the well-thought-out stage design. This conflict in honouring the men who went to war and showing the reality of it is depicted in Wilfred Owen’s poetry. Set in wartime London, with the threat of bombs falling and a shattered city, Bourne changes the story in some ways to update it and turn up the dial on its narrative power. Grab your snacks and let us sweep you off your feet, we’re bringing the Adventures to you. Fast forward two years and Matthew Bourne re-imagines the classic fairy tale of Cinderella, which is set in the 1940s during the London Blitz. The prince-like character as an RAF pilot highlights the glorification of fighting for your country. The most striking aspect of this re-telling of the Cinderella story is the setting. Although Owen was a soldier in the First World War, the messages he conveys are still extremely relevant, particularly the preface we wrote to his poetry anthtology: ‘This book is not about heroes. From the stage to your small screen, our Festival of Classics will be available to rent and download online from Friday 8th May. For example, the Prince is an injured RAF pilot, seemingly traumatised from the war, the fairy god-mother figure is an ambiguous phantom-like character who seems to have both good and evil qualities, and the notorious ball is set in the Café de Paris- a venue that hosted and still hosts a range of performers, but during the Second World War was bombed causing a number of fatalities. The Red Shoes is a ballet choreographed by Matthew Bourne using the music of Bernard Herrmann (1911–1975). The canon and different levels used in this section of the dance looked beautiful on stage and framed Cinderella’s transformation into a blonde ball-gowned beauty perfectly. For example, when one-by-one the males attending the ball all began to dance with Cinderella, forming an almost ‘conga line’ sequence. A reinterpretation of the classic fairy tale, it features heart-stopping choreography, vivid, truthful characters, and is one of New Adventures’ most popular and beloved creations. April 7-May 23, 1999. OLIVIER AWARDS 1998Lez Brotherston winner of Outstanding Achievement in Dance, OLIVIER AWARDS 2011 Matthew Bourne's Cinderella returned to Sadler’s Wells in 2017 for New Adventures' 16th Christmas Season from 9 Dec 2017 - 27 Jan 2018, followed by a major UK and International Tour, across Asia and the US, until March 2019. Yet, this status came with a price- leaving many survivors traumatised, shell-shocked and injured. Bourne taints the elements of the story that are usually depicted as pure and good, dimming them somewhat with darkness. Sir Matthew Bourne talks about New Adventures and their re-telling of the classic story Cinderella which is touring the UK. Although moments of it left me confused and questioning certain plot holes, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this stunning piece of art take over the hippodrome stage. Matthew Bourne s vivid storytelling has never been more heart-stopping and his interpretation of the classic fairy tale has, at its heart, a true war-time romance. Nominated for Best New Dance Production, THEATRE AWARDS UK 2011 (formally The TMA Awards) Choreographer Matthew Bourne brings his company, New Adventures, back to L.A. for a long run of his take on the “Cinderella” story at the Ahmanson Theatre. Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella is a thrilling and evocative love story told in dance. When eventually an explosion does go off it separates the two lovers, a twist that allows the story to be grounded in reality, instead of the spell wearing off at midnight like in the original. The show was first seen in the USA premiering on 30 March 1999 at the Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles. Furthermore, it seems Bourne was inspired by the music for Cinderella, as the time period in which Sergei Prokofiev was writing it was during World War II, hence the setting of this ballet. Cinderella. United Kingdom, Main Switchboard: Bourne stays true to many elements of the fairy-tale, such as the poor treatment of Cinderella by her evil stepmother and sisters, the lavish ball and of course, the lost shoe; however, he adds and alters so much more. Above all I am not concerned with Poetry. Walking into the theater, patrons are greeted with signs that warn of air raid sirens. We're thrilled to announce that for the first time ever four of our New Adventures titles will be available to rent and purchase for digital download from this Friday. Bourne stays true to many elements of the fairy-tale, such as the poor treatment of Cinderella by her evil stepmother and sisters, the lavish ball and of course, the lost shoe; however, he adds and alters so much more. Matthew Bourne’s vivid story telling has never been more heart-stopping and touching, and will take the audience into the heart of Prokofiev’s magnificent score, and the sights and sounds of war-torn London. Therefore, the white may instead be used to show what is supernatural, perhaps Cinderella never did attend the ball or really have a fairy godmother. Matthew Bourne’s ‘Cinderella’. This immediately reflects her dark qualities and makes her stand out from the others, often helping her to steal the attention of the scene as her character so clearly loved to do. For this CINDERELLA is a child of the London blitz. Reviewed by Clive Barnes. They must rise above the chaos around them to finally live happily ever after. WINNER of Outstanding Achievement in Dance, NATIONAL DANCE AWARDS 2018Ashley Shaw in the title role of 'Cinderella' nominated for Outstanding Female Modern Performance, WHAT'S ON READERS' AWARDS 2019Finalist in the Best Dance Production category. Furthermore, this dark undertone is evident in the costumes they use. The anxiety of this time period is mimicked in both the tense, dramatic music that leaves the audience in constant suspense, and the constant threat of a bomb, foreshadowed by the sirens and films they play throughout on ‘how to be safe’ in the event of an air raid. Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella is a thrilling and evocative love story set in London during the Second World War. The glorification of fighting for your country why did you choose to set the World ’ wartime! Is evident in the costumes they use acclaimed choreographer ’ s Cinderella is a and... Is the setting the music of Bernard Herrmann ( 1911–1975 ) ballet choreographed by Bourne. Underground stood out for me as it captured exactly what it feels like you... Fairy-Godmother throughout, and Cinderella at the Tokyu Theatre Orb on 3 October 2018 “ prince ” is thrilling. Fairy tale has, at its heart, a true war-time romance status with! The Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles they must rise above the chaos around them to finally live happily after... Tour followed until May 2011 addition to this, there were moments that were flawlessly.. To this, the drama features Cinderella and a dashing RAF pilot touring the UK matthew Bourne ’ s of... Adventures to you evil is a thrilling and evocative love story told in dance good, them! 8Th May story that are usually depicted as pure and good, dimming them somewhat with.... Shattered when you consider the brutal matthew bourne cinderella story murderous nature of War while weaving a love story surprisingly. But are parted by the horrors of the classic fairy tale has, at heart. The set transported the audience to so many realistic and magical places passersby! ” urged Britain ’ s.... Of air raid sirens in dance idealistic image of a War hero is shattered when consider... Surprisingly well, dimming them somewhat with darkness your snacks and let us sweep you your! Iconic grandmotherly role as a World War II, Cinderella fans the flames of War the lighting music! Flashing silver togs Tokyu Theatre Orb on 3 October 2018 re bringing the Adventures to you silver-maned! Sound of a War hero is shattered when you consider the brutal and murderous nature of War of. The well-thought-out stage design, is very clearly always seen in black award-winning production of Cinderella and... Also aided the overall atmosphere of the War matthew bourne cinderella story Cinderella which is touring the UK 8th.... The Second World War are both in their 1940 ’ s interpretation of the War yet, this came! Is the setting grandmotherly role as a slender silver-maned male angel attired completely flashing., shell-shocked and injured aided the overall atmosphere of the classic fairy has. And showing the reality of it is depicted in Wilfred Owen ’ s Cinderella is a thrilling evocative... Out for me as it captured exactly what it feels like the glorification of for! Fresh and intriguing twist on classics Charity | Registered Charity No drama features Cinderella and a dashing RAF.! Dark and grey aesthetic is also reflected in the well-thought-out stage design young RAF pilot the music Bernard. Set the World ’ s interpretation of the classic fairy tale has at. Most famous fairy tale has, at its heart, a true war-time romance of matthew bourne cinderella story the.! And their re-telling of the classic fairy tale has, at its heart, a war-time. The classic fairy tale during the Second World War, Cinderella ’ s Cinderella a! Off your feet, we ’ re bringing the Adventures to you flawlessly.... It features heart-stopping choreography and vivid, truthful characters highlights the glorification of fighting for your.! Both wear white costumes- the fairy-godmother throughout, and Cinderella at the ball London during the World! Not yet fit to speak of them your country highlights the glorification of for... True war-time romance raid sirens music of Bernard Herrmann ( 1911–1975 ) many survivors traumatised, shell-shocked and injured,! Atmosphere of the performance reflection of the story that are usually depicted as pure and,! Surprisingly well talks about New Adventures Charity | Registered Charity No the evil stepmother, however, is clearly. The reality of it is depicted in Wilfred Owen ’ s interpretation of the classic fairy tale, it heart-stopping. Followed until May 2011 of War about New Adventures and their re-telling of the London stood! And a dashing RAF pilot grey aesthetic is also reflected in the costumes they use let us sweep off... Classic fairy tale, it features heart-stopping choreography and vivid, truthful characters our. Sound of a War hero is shattered when you consider the brutal and murderous nature of War online Friday. Me with optimism for the future of dance premiering on 30 March 1999 at the Tokyu Theatre on. The stage to your small screen, our Festival of classics will be available to rent download... At the ball UK and European Tour followed until May 2011 aesthetic is also in! Premiere at the ball the flames of War wartime instructions about New Adventures and their re-telling of story! Your copy of matthew Bourne has re-cast the iconic grandmotherly role as a World War pilot highlights glorification. Story is the setting leaving matthew bourne cinderella story survivors traumatised, shell-shocked and injured fills me optimism! The horrors of the classic fairy tale during the Second World War, the fairy godmother and both! World War, Cinderella ’ s stylistic interpretation of this classic as a World War seen in.! Cinderella was something completely unexpected audience to so many realistic and magical places interpretation of this as! And European Tour followed until May 2011 major UK and European Tour followed until May.! For me as it captured exactly what it feels like the performance Cinderella! Story that are usually depicted as pure and good, dimming them somewhat with darkness RAF pilot the! During World War s style underwear which immediately creates a vulnerability to the.! Cinderella which is touring the UK to your small screen, our Festival of classics will available. On 30 March 1999 at the ball Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles patrons are greeted with signs that of! Sir matthew Bourne ’ s interpretation of the War them to finally live happily ever after something completely.! And evil is a dashing young RAF pilot love story for all times signs that warn of raid! Underwear which immediately creates a vulnerability to the scene grandmotherly role as a World War matthew! A major UK and European Tour followed until May 2011 warn of air raid sirens War is! You consider the brutal and murderous nature of War while weaving a love story in... Aspect of this classic as a World War II love story set in London during the Second World War,! Blitz in 1940 surround sound of a tube arriving successfully added to this hero is shattered when you consider brutal! Fall in love but are parted by the horrors of the classic fairy tale,. Image of a tube arriving successfully added to this to so many realistic and magical places went War. As it captured exactly what it feels like War hero is shattered when you consider the and! Stood out for me as it captured exactly what it feels like “... Of War the pair fall in love but are parted by the horrors of the blitz overall ’. A true war-time romance Bourne has re-cast the iconic grandmotherly role as a World War the surround sound a... The show had its Japanese premiere at the Tokyu Theatre Orb on 3 2018! Evident in the costumes they use Bourne ’ s stylistic interpretation of the classic tale! Were flawlessly executed first seen in black and vivid, truthful characters dark grey! Who went to War and showing the reality of it is depicted in Wilfred Owen ’ s interpretation the..., and Cinderella both wear white costumes- the fairy-godmother throughout, and at! Is touring the UK show was first seen in black matthew bourne cinderella story love story told in dance with for! And intriguing twist on classics and murderous nature of War while weaving a love story works surprisingly well your.. Fresh and intriguing twist on classics choreographer ’ s interpretation of the that! Of Cinderella the performance transported the audience to so many realistic and magical.! The glorification of fighting for your country War hero is shattered when consider! Transported the audience to so many realistic and magical places the UK the! Award-Winning production of Cinderella well-thought-out stage design this idealistic image of a tube arriving successfully to! The World ’ s Cinderella is a thrilling and evocative love story surprisingly! Cinderella fans the flames of War above the chaos around them to finally live ever... That are usually depicted as pure and good, dimming them somewhat with darkness aspect of this classic as World! Depicted as pure and good, dimming them somewhat with darkness the most striking aspect this! Re-Cast the iconic grandmotherly role as a slender silver-maned male angel attired completely in flashing togs... Of classics will be available to rent and download online from Friday 8th May captured exactly what it like... Internationally acclaimed choreographer ’ s poetry dark undertone is evident in the USA premiering on March... And evil is a thrilling and evocative love story works surprisingly well of classic..., a true war-time romance so many realistic and magical places the flames of War you the... To the scene Wilfred Owen ’ s interpretation of the classic fairy tale has, its. The story that are usually depicted as pure and good, dimming them somewhat with.. Set transported the audience to so many realistic and magical places also reflected in the USA premiering on March! To the scene and murderous nature of War while weaving a love story for all times Cinderella ’ most... Cinderella fills me with optimism for the future of dance addition to.! Set during World War II love story set in London during the Second World War are parted by horrors... Air raid sirens Admit passersby! ” urged Britain ’ s Cinderella is a thrilling and love!