The days leading up to opening night of a show are always nerve wracking. There’s last-minute costume fixes, sound system tweaks and those pre-show nerves to harness. But, for the cast of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, which makes its European debut in just a few days time at Hope Mill Theatre, there’s a quiet confidence in the air.
At least, that’s the impression its lead, West End star Grace Mouat, gives off. The SIX, & Juliet and Legally Blonde Star is more excited than nervous as she talks to us during a rehearsal break less than a week from curtains. “We’re in the last stage of studio rehearsals and then we’ll be running through all the technical elements and polishing - that's the really fun bit” she tells me.
Mouat attributes her excitement for the show in large part to the production's creative team, led by venue founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton, with Houston of directing duties and Whelton covering co-directing and choreography. “It’s super hard because we know it's a short contract, but what I will say is that from day one I knew this team had a special bond and that’s because of the atmosphere that Joe and Will have created.
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“They’ve given us so much licence to play and to create a positive environment for everyone, from chatting during tea breaks to travelling to a new city together. Sure, it’s very intense, it takes a whole village to pull this off, but if you don’t have magic in rehearsals and backstage you simply won’t get magic on stage, so I feel very lucky to be part of this cast.”
As Grace alludes, the Broadway musical version leaves plenty of room for interpretation and creativity too. “It’s nice to give it a contemporary twist.
“As much as I adore her, I’m just not Julie Andrews. We're given licence to sing and interpret the script as well and make it all our own.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Joe and Will. “This version of Cinderella has always been a show that we have wanted to produce at Hope Mill. We both remember growing up with Disney’s remake of the musical, starring Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother, so it’s always had a special place in our hearts.
“I think that because the show has a long history, from its creation in 1957 starring Julie Andrews in the title role, then another version in the 60s starring Lesley Ann Warren, it is a show that has been loved by generations.
“This version is the 2013 Broadway version, which is having its European premiere with us. What makes this particular version special is that it has a whole new script and also features cut songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s back catalogue, so audiences are in for a truly unique theatre experience.”
Alongside Grace, the pair have assembled a brilliant cast - a mixture of some of the industry’s most talked about performers and newly graduated, emerging talent. Grace’s co-lead is Jacob Fowler who plays Prince Topher, while the role of Madame is played by Annie Aitken, and Julie Yammanee plays the Fairy Godmother. And although Grace has already made a name for herself, taking on this role, in her words, has been “a dream come true”.
“I grew up with the Brandy and Whitney versions and it really did change my life and so many people’s lives,” she tells me. “It made them feel seen and it gave me that hope at a young age that I could be a princess in a classic fairytale.
“Speaking to younger girls after my performances in Six, & Juliette, to hear that they felt seen on stage because they look like me, that's great to hear. Things are changing in a lot of ways, to play a lead role and not be super small, petite or white, that means a lot to me, it shows those girls that they can be up here too.”
The contemporary interpretation also addresses the current political climate and state of world affairs. “There’s a strong sense of community to this version and it opened my eyes to how relatable and funny you can be and how you can modernise a show that was written so long ago - while keeping the core message the same.
“There’s a lot of political references as well, and the humour is brilliant - there’s even been some rewrites to take into account what’s been going on this year. This is the first time this production is being staged in the UK and in Europe - no one has done it before and it feels like you're originating a version, which is really special.”
The production was originally scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due the pandemic, so for Joe and Will it was also a relief to finally bring the show to Manchester. “To say that this show has been long anticipated, would be a major understatement.
“We were extremely saddened when we had to cancel the show’s original run in 2020, and couldn’t wait to bring the team back together again and find our cast. Being able to Premiere this piece in Manchester is not only special for us but for the city too.”
You can catch Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella the Musical at Hope Mill Theatre from Tuesday, November 2 until Sunday, December 11. For more information and to buy tickets, you can visit the site here.
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