Royal Concert Hall Nottingham – until Wednesday 26 January 2022
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
5*****
Sat in the beautiful Concert Hall Nottingham, we knew we were in for a treat. The room was alive with the hum of people excitedly taking their seats and the enchanting sounds of the orchestra warming up, We were set to watch The Russian State Ballet of Siberia accompanied by the Russian State Ballet Orchestra who were bringing us the beauty of Prokofiev’s Cinderella.
Larger than life, conductor Anatoliy Chepurnoy, encouraged the audience to clap and cheer as the ballet began, setting the tone, letting us know that this interpretation of the well-known fairy tale would be a bit different, upbeat and have elements of humour. We were not disappointed.
The choreography, by Sergei Bobrov, along with the sumptuous costumes and digital screen scenery was a feast for the eyes. Staying true to traditional ballet, it also added elements of contemporary dance, movement and flow to bring it up to date and make the production relatable to all ages. There was not a moment when my eyes were not pulled in all directions, trying to take it all in, accompanied by the stirring and moving music.
The Prince and Cinderella, Natalia Bobrova and Georgii Bolsunovskii had us mesmerised with seamless sequences, solos and duets, they didn’t seem to break a sweat. Effortless, skilful and stunning, they kept us enthralled. The Stepmum and Stepsisters, played by Maksim Ikonostasov, Yaroslava Bolsunovskaya and Anastasiia Osokina brought oodles of humour which balanced perfectly with the romance of the lovers.
However, and quite unusually, it was the ensemble who stole the show for me, in particular the Timekeepers, who, dressed in red and black, warn us of the impending time constraints which are integral to the story. Waving hand movements, exaggerated stompy steps and bringing an air of panic, accompanied by pounding percussion, they are a joy to behold.
Cinderella was simply gorgeous. The Russian State Ballet of Siberia and The Russian State Ballet Orchestra know how to bring the house down. I would urge you to go see this and allow yourself to become immersed in this flawless fairy tale