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.
