IT IS an age-old classic fairytale, instantly recognisable by any child. But the story of Cinderella we all know so well is told with a twist at Hull Truck Theatre this year.
It is billed as a Christmas production and is most definitely not a pantomime.
There are certain key features from the story you will recognise – the ugly sisters, the wicked stepmother and the glass slipper – but much of the story has been updated.
The tale is told from among the dust and cinders. The main twist is it is from the rats' point of view, which all live underneath the floorboards of Cinderella's home.
Instead of a fairy godmother, Cinderella only has the spirit of her dead mother to guide her.
The multi-talented cast of six are all actors as well as musicians and the show really benefits from the live music.
Throughout, the cast play numerous instruments including the violin, trumpet, piano, drums, clarinet, saxophone, which they play brilliantly.
The title role is played by Annabel Betts, who recently graduated from the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art.
Director Mark Babych said: "This year's Christmas show is magical enough for small princesses, spirited and high energy enough for boys, especially with those rats and a great treat for the whole family.
"We are having a fantastic time performing in front of an audience."
The set is impressive and the lights provide some lovely magical moments throughout the show.
But there is nothing glam or pink about any of it.
Yes, the dress Cinderella chooses for the ball is nicer than the rags she wears in the rest of the production, but pink, sparkly and glam it is not.
Instead of a beautiful carriage, she rides to the ball in a an old shopping trolley with a leather seat inside. But it does light up.
The prince is not the dark, handsome and confident type, instead he is a bit of a geek.
Although the show features new original songs, Let's All Go To The Ball was catchy and had everyone singing.
Without a doubt, the loudest laughs came when the prince looked to the audience to find his princess at the ball.
Picking out a teacher who was watching with a class full of pupils, he asked her: "Are you a banana?" To which the boys and girls fell about laughing.
He followed up with the punch-line: "Because I find you very appealing."
The interval was also made fun for the children with lively music, while the cast took the time to meet and greet young ones.
• Tickets cost from £12. To book, call (01482) 323638 or visit the Hull Truck Theatre website.• Entertainment news from the Hull Daily Mail
