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This production was created for English National Ballet and was premiered on 14 February 1996 at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton. Running time two Hours 42 Minutes (including two intervals)
Act I
The Kitchen
Cinderella is alone with her dreams, she is lonely, misses her dead mother and is kept from her father by her stepmother who hates her. Her two Stepsisters enter and taunt her with the newly arrived invitation to the Prince's ball. Left alone again, she dances with a locket belonging to her dead mother remembering happier times. Cinderella's world weary father enters and Cinderella comforts him. The Stepsisters beckon the stepmother and a quarrel ensues in which the sisters try to obtain Cinderella's locket. The Fairy Godmother appears and although Cinderella cannot see her, she is aware of her magic and protection. The Fairy Godmother disappears, the dressmaker arrives and the Stepsisters parade their new dresses for the forthcoming ball. The Dancing Master arrives to coach the sisters. Cinderella who also quietly learns the steps, is very accomplished, which infuriates the sisters. Everyone leaves to prepare for the ball and Cinderella is left alone. The Fairy Godmother appears again, this time Cinderella is ready to see her and the magic begins.
The Forest
The Fairy Godmother transforms the kitchen into a magical forest and brings on the Four Seasons. As the moon and stars appear the Fairy Godmother warns Cinderella that she must leave the ball by midnight or her dress will return to rags. After she has been transformed into a glittering princess, the Fairy Godmother sends her off to the ball in a coach of the changing seasons, escorted by the fairies and the stars.
Act II
The Ballroom of the Palace
The ball has just commenced when Cinderella's family arrive. The Master of Ceremonies asks the Dancing Master to start proceedings. The Prince's two friends arrive, followed by the Prince himself. The Stepsisters try to get the Prince's attention but are interrupted by the arrival of Cinderella. The Prince is captivated by this beautiful and unknown princess. The Prince presents Cinderella and the two Sisters with three oranges, a token of his esteem as they are the rarest and most precious fruit in the land. Cinderella and the Prince fall in love as the ball proceeds until the clock strikes midnight. Cinderella in her joy has forgotten the Fairy Godmother's warning and rushes from the court, losing one of her slippers on the stairs in her haste.
Act III
The Prince's Dream
After the departure of the guests the Prince has collapsed exhausted and distraught at the disappearance of Cinderella. In his dream, two mysterious princesses arrive, one Spanish and one Egyptian, who dance for the Prince. The Princesses-who are the Stepsisters in disguise-both fight for the Prince's attention. An Oriental Princess enters with two handmaidens who proceed to tempt the Prince. As his dream turns into a nightmare, the Prince wakes up and realises he must go and find Cinderella.
The Kitchen
Cinderella wakes up beside the fire and dreams of the ball. At the height of her reverie she sees the magic slipper by the fire side. She rushes to clasp it to her heart as she realises that the ball and her love for the prince are real. The two Stepsisters arrive home from the ball and show off the oranges to Cinderella. Their excitement turns sour once more and Cinderella tries to escape in vain. The Stepmother interrupts and warns the sisters of the Prince's imminent arrival. The Prince arrives and is welcomed eagerly by the family. Cinderella recognises the Prince. Desperately the two Sisters try to force their feet into the slipper but to no avail. The Prince offers the slipper to Cinderella, and it fits! As Cinderella and the Prince declare their love they are transported to the forest where the Fairy Godmother blesses their union.
Cinderella and the Prince are left alone with the Fairy Godmother, who transports them to a land of eternal harmony and happiness. The Fairy Godmother and the seasons take their final farewell of Cinderella and the Prince as night inevitably gives way to a new dawn.
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