Five reasons Cinderella in-the-round is such a spectacle

Watch & Read Five reasons Cinderella in-the-round is such a spectacle

Making full use of the magnificent Royal Albert Hall stage, Cinderella in-the-round transforms the tale into a jaw-dropping spectacle. With breathtaking choreography, exquisite costumes, dazzling projections, and a sublime score performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic, this is a ball you don’t want to miss!

Here are our favourite spectacular moments from this truly enchanting production:

1. The growing magical tree

This version begins with Cinderella losing her mother. As our heroine cries by her grave, a tree begins to grow! This is a striking invention by set designer Julian Crouch, puppeteer Basil Twist, and projection designer Daniel Brodie: one, two, and more branches extend upwards, and leaves seem to dance in the wind.

Later, it appears to grow again, changing colours with the four seasons, and delivers all the magic Cinderella needs to get to that life-changing ball.

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English National Ballet in Christopher Wheeldon's Cinderella in-the-round © Laurent Liotardo

2. The grand ball at the palace

The Royal Albert Hall transforms into the perfect ballroom with a giant chandelier and 50 dancers waltzing in lavish court dress – the Prince’s ball is as regal a party as you’d expect.

Look out for the dancers’ beautiful group formations, the arrival of three Princesses keen to impress the Prince, and the entrance of Cinderella: she seems to stand still and float above the crowd.

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English National Ballet in Cinderella in-the-round © Laurent Liotardo

3. Cinderella dancing with the Prince at the ball

The love story at the heart of this ballet really comes to life when Cinderella dances with Prince Guillaume at the ball.

Composer Sergei Prokofiev wrote the score for Cinderella. Just like his other famous ballet, Romeo & Juliet, the music is very passionate, but with an added element of magic! The music for the pas de deux between Cinderella and the Prince is particularly special: very rich and romantic, with a big explosion of passion in the middle.

As you watch them dance against a starry sky and hear the music soaring from the English National Ballet Philharmonic, you can’t help but drink in the beauty of it all. Watch some of the pas de deux here:

Video: Alina Cojocaru and Isaac Hernandez in Christopher Wheeldon's Cinderella in-the-round © Laurent Liotardo.

4. Does the shoe fit?

After Cinderella’s abrupt departure from the ball, everyone wants to have a go at trying on her golden pointe shoe, from Cinderella’s Stepsisters to ladies-in-waiting and even some of the fantastical creatures that live in the kingdom: large-headed gnomes, conkers and bird ladies!

Their line-up features some very funny choreography and showcases the stunning range of costumes that have been created for the show. Special credits go to the dancers performing in those characters’ big masks.

5. The transformation scene

Everyone who has seen this production talks about it: out of very little, a horse-drawn carriage is conjured up on stage. This is pure theatrical magic and something you have to see to believe!

**Book now to see English National Ballet perform Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella in-the-round at the Royal Albert Hall, London from 5 – 25 June 2023**.

Five reasons Cinderella in-the-round is such a spectacle