Overview
London 1940. The blackout.
A siren sounds...
Returning this November with a 30th Anniversary celebration of 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.
Matthew Bourne’s epic interpretation of the classic fairytale, has, at its heart, a true war-time romance. 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.
With Lez Brotherston’s glorious Olivier Award-winning designs, lighting by Olivier Award-winning Neil Austin and video and projection designs by Duncan McLean, Cinderella features sensational sound design by Paul Groothuis which will take the audience into the heart of Prokofiev’s magnificent score, and the sights and sounds of war-torn London.
Cinderella is both a tribute and a testament to the spirit of London during a time when every second counted and lives were changed forever. Bourne's vivid storytelling has never been more heart-stopping and touching, creating a unique and unforgettable depiction of a familiar but timeless fable.
A valentine to the power of love
LA Times
Fresh and vital, hilarious, profound and stunningly original
The Times
A perfect treat. Glorious
Daily Telegraph
This production is set during London in the Blitz of 1940. It contains depictions of bombing raids, destruction of buildings, sirens, and explosions through the use of theatrical smoke and haze, strobe lighting, and loud noises. Recommended for ages 8+
The History of the Show
World Premiere: 26 Sept 1997 at the Piccadilly Theatre, London
The show was first seen in the USA premiering on 30 March 1999 at the Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles. 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. A major UK and European Tour followed until May 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. The show had its Japanese premiere at the Tokyu Theatre Orb on 3 October 2018.
Company
Photos & Videos
News
Awards & Reviews
OLIVIER AWARDS 1998
Lez Brotherston winner of Outstanding Achievement in Dance
OLIVIER AWARDS 2011
Nominated for Best New Dance Production
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS AWARDS 2011
Nominated for Best New Dance Production
THEATRE AWARDS UK 2011 (formally The TMA Awards)
WINNER of Outstanding Achievement in Dance
NATIONAL DANCE AWARDS 2018
Ashley Shaw in the title role of 'Cinderella' nominated for Outstanding Female Modern Performance
WHAT'S ON READERS' AWARDS 2019
Finalist in the Best Dance Production category
Access
Here you will find information about our accessible performances, including audio description, touch tours, our access resources and sensory adapted performances. All of our post-show talks featuring cast and crew members are British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted. All of our audio described shows are preceded by an onstage touch tour.
If you would like to know more about our access resources (including a light map or sound map) or have an access enquiry, please email us at access@new-adventures.net.
Audio Described Trailer
Audio Described Performances
Our Audio Description is delivered by Caroline Burn of Talking Theatres. Audio Description is a live commentary on the visual elements of a production - the movement, characters’ facial expressions and body language, their costumes, and the set design. It is specially tailored for blind or partially-sighted audience members and is delivered in accessible language. Knowledge of specialist dance terminology is not required. The description does not interfere with the performance and no changes are made to the show itself. You can find out the exact dates, timings and locations of our audio described shows below and you can listen to an audio flyer which also lists these dates.
Touch Tours
90 minutes before an audio described performance, we host an onstage Touch Tour and pre-show introductory talk. This is an opportunity to engage with some of the key tactile elements in the show to enhance the audio description. Spaces are limited and reserved for our blind and partially-sighted patrons.
What to Expect on the Cinderella Touch Tour
You will be guided on stage through the key elements and layout of the set, immersing you in the 1940’s.
You will be able to feel the coarse, heavy weave of Cinderella's everyday utility wool skirt and scratchy housecoat, and contrast them with her ice-white evening dress, feeling the fluid slide of the heavy silk-satin and the intricate, bumpy texturing of the glass beadwork.
You can run your hands over the Angel's smooth, metallic suit brocade to feel its non-human, synthetic quality, and contrast it with the Stepmother's heavy, light-absorbing jet-black velvet gown and long, friction-free satin gloves.
We will invite you to lift an authentic ARP Warden "tin hat" to feel the surprising weight of the stamped steel. You will also get to handle the rough, fibrous cardboard gas mask boxes worn by the crowd, and hold Cinderella's actual silver shoe to feel the rough, sand-like texture of the crystal-encrusted outer surface.
If you wish to participate in this onstage immersion, please meet our team in the main foyer of your venue 90 minutes before showtime.
Audio Described Performances and Touch Tour
Theatre Royal, Plymouth
The Lowry, Salford
Sadler's Wells, London
Milton Keynes Theatre
New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Birmingham Hippodrome
Liverpool Empire
New Theatre, Hull
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
The Marlowe, Canterbury
The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
Theatre Royal, Norwich
Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Newcastle Theatre Royal
Edinburgh Festival Theatre
Audio Described Flyer
Donations
We want everyone to have the best experience when attending a New Adventures production. Through the generosity of our funders and donors we can adapt our performances to provide a wide range of ways to enjoy our unique storytelling methodology. If you would like to help us continue this work, please consider donating here. We appreciate your support.
Sensory Adapted Matinee Performance
Sunday 10th January, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London
We offer a sensory adapted performance to create an environment where everyone can enjoy our shows. This includes:
- A reduced capacity
- Lower sound volume
- Brighter and more consistent lighting states
- Movement workshops
- A pre-show introduction with cast and BSL interpreter
- What to expect sessions
- Ear defenders on request
- Guidance from Angel station to the venue
- Chill-out spaces
About Sensory Adapted Performances
These performances are an extension of a relaxed performance. Our adaptations create a friendly, supportive and less formal environment.
They are suitable for those who may be on the autism spectrum, have sensory sensitivities, epilepsy, learning disabilities and/or difficulties, experience neurodiversity, and anyone that might benefit from a more supportive environment.
We encourage audiences to be kind and respectful to one another, in keeping with the spirit of the performance.
Pre-show What to Expect Sessions
15-minute drop-in sessions give you an opportunity to feel costumes and set and learn more about the production from our team. These are open to everyone.
Movement Workshops
We offer free movement workshops for all abilities, ages and learning styles. They explore the characters and themes of the show through movement, games, and the unique storytelling techniques of New Adventures.
Pre-show Introduction
A ten-minute introduction to key sounds, cast members and characters, and effects.