Deck those halls as it’s Christmas time once again in Edinburgh with Royal Lyceum Theatre’s annual festive show, this year Sally Cookson’s and Adam Peck’s Cinderella: A Fairytale. A classic story known and loved by many, holding on to its original charm alongside modernisation, making this play a stand-out for family festive fun.
We follow Ella (Olivia Hemmati), recently orphaned and ‘looked after’ by her stepmother (Nicole Cooper) and tormented by her wicked stepsiblings (Christina Gordon and Matthew Forbes). In this production, Ella has a deep connection with birds and, when finding some needed solace from her awful living conditions, she meets a fellow bird enthusiast (Sam Stopford), who just so happens to be a prince. As the story goes, Ella is invited to a royal ball but will everything go as planned?
As Ella, Hemmati brings plenty of youthful energy and charisma to the role. Ella is not just the princess we may be used to, but a well-constructed character who dreams of a better life. Hemmati is only at the beginning of her career but, already playing the leading lady, it is exciting to see where her career will go. Her counterpart, Sam Stopford as the Prince, is much the same. A great part of Cinderella: A Fairytale is that the prince is not merely a handsome man looking for his bride. Stopford showcases great comedic skills and is instantly likeable amongst the wide range of ages in the audience. He generates earnest sympathy throughout the piece and connects well with the audience.
Cooper, the wicked stepmother, or just ‘mother’ in this piece, is a great villain. Cooper is known for her exquisite skill as a classical and Shakespearean performer and so it is excellent to see her in a modern and comedic role. She makes it easy for the audience to dislike her with great vocal skill and large gestures, really inhabiting the antagonistic role. Gordon and Forbes, mother’s offspring, work perfectly together, creating a fantastic double-act that still stands out individually. Forbes adds flamboyance into his performance as Brother, while also bringing some lovely tender moments. Gordon, as Sister, gives a lesson in character acting, going above and beyond in the role.
Cinderella: A Fairytale is as colourful and vibrant as you’d expect for a Christmas show. A mention must go to Francis O’Connor, the set and costume designer. A lot of detail has gone into building the world of the play. The contrast between the dullness of Ella’s home and brightness of the outside world is fantastic. The stage is always busy, filled with trees, ladders and birds, but never feels cluttered and is used to its full potential throughout.
What separates this production from previous adaptations is its subtle use of puppetry. There is loads of room for play, created by cast member and puppetry director, Matthew Forbes. The ensemble weaves bird puppets into the entire production, constantly giving the whole stage a real sense of liveliness. With vibrant colour and flowing movement, the puppets create a visual delight for audiences. It would be safe to assume that director Jemima Levick, has really enjoyed the process of creating the show and this festive joy is ever-clear in the smiles on the faces of families as they leave the theatre.
Cinderella: A Fairytale is destined to be a family favourite this Christmas season. A classic tale with a modern twist, audiences of all ages are sure to leave with a smile and filled with festive magic.
Cinderella: A Fairytale runs until January 3rd and tickets are available at https://lyceum.org.uk/events/cinderella-a-fairytale#dates-and-times
Reviewer: Dylan Mooney
Reviewed: 28th November 2025
North West End UK Rating: