Cinderella

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Cinderella: A Modern Fairy Tale on the West End

"Cinderella," a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by David Zippel and a book by Emerald Fennell, premiered at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London’s West End on August 18, 2021, following previews from June 25. This fresh take on the classic fairy tale ran until June 12, 2022, closing after a turbulent 12-month stint marked by pandemic-related delays and disruptions. Set in the picturesque yet superficial town of Belleville, the production offered a rebellious Cinderella, a sharp departure from tradition, and boasted a starry cast led by Carrie Hope Fletcher, delivering a blend of spectacle and contemporary flair that aimed to redefine the West End musical landscape.

Origins and Creative Vision

The musical emerged from Lloyd Webber’s desire to reinterpret Cinderella, sparked by an original concept from Fennell, an Oscar-winning writer known for "Promising Young Woman." Workshops began in 2019 at The Other Palace, featuring Fletcher as Cinderella and Tyrone Huntley as Prince Sebastian. Fennell’s book recast the heroine as a defiant outsider in Belleville, a town obsessed with beauty, while Zippel’s lyrics paired with Lloyd Webber’s eclectic score—ranging from rock anthems to lush ballads—gave the story a modern edge. Directed by Laurence Connor with choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter, the production sought to balance fairy-tale charm with a feminist twist, though its narrative shifts stirred mixed reactions.

The West End Run

Originally slated for August 2020, "Cinderella" faced multiple postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finally opening at half capacity in June 2021 before its official premiere two months later. Fletcher starred alongside Ivano Turco as Prince Sebastian, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as the Stepmother, and Gloria Onitiri as the Godmother, with Rebecca Trehearn as the Queen and Georgina Castle and Laura Baldwin as the stepsisters. The show’s run was interrupted again in December 2021 by the Omicron surge, resuming in February 2022. Despite glowing reviews Chris Wiegand of The Guardian gave it five stars its closure was announced abruptly in May 2022, ending a 357-performance journey that struggled with audience turnout and financial pressures.

Musical and Theatrical Highlights

Lloyd Webber’s score featured standout tracks like "Bad Cinderella," a gritty anthem for Fletcher’s character, and "I Know I Have a Heart," a soaring ballad of self-discovery. The production leaned on Gabriela Tylesova’s whimsical sets think spinning stalls and a rococo frame and Hunter’s dynamic choreography to bring Belleville’s absurdity to life. Songs like "Buns ’n’ Roses" and "Far Too Late" added humor and pathos, though some critics found the nine-piece band underpowered compared to Lloyd Webber’s past orchestrations. The cast’s chemistry, particularly Fletcher’s commanding presence, earned praise, even as the plot’s deviations from the classic tale divided opinions.

Challenges and Closure

Mounting "Cinderella" amid a pandemic proved a Herculean task. Lloyd Webber championed its role in reopening the West End, defying restrictions and even threatening arrest to push for full-capacity shows. Yet, the production faced setbacks: a cast member’s COVID-19 case canceled the July 2021 opening night, and Omicron forced a two-month hiatus. The closure announcement blindsided many, with cast members like Daisy Twells learning via social media, sparking outrage and Equity protests. Lloyd Webber later called it a “costly mistake” in a letter read at the final performance, a phrase that drew boos but was clarified as regret over timing, not quality.

Legacy and Beyond

Despite its short run, "Cinderella" left a mark with a Grammy-nominated concept album and a Broadway transfer as "Bad Cinderella" in 2023, which closed after 85 performances. Its West End tenure showcased resilience, earning a 2022 Olivier nomination for Fletcher and reinforcing Lloyd Webber’s legacy of bold experimentation. While it didn’t achieve the longevity of "Cats" or "Phantom," its innovative spirit and stellar performances linger in memory. As of March 2025, it stands as a testament to theater’s pandemic-era struggles and triumphs, a fairy tale that dared to rewrite its own ending.