THERE are 2,000 recorded versions of the Cinderella story.
Make that 2,001 versions, now that York playwright Mike Kenny has written a “brand spanking new” adaptation for his latest collaboration with director Gail McIntyre at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds.
“Although my telling of the story is not traditional, I’ve tried to stick to a story that children would recognise,” he says.
“Because it’s an original piece, Gail and I decided to do something new this year. We asked everyone who works in the theatre what they remembered most from the story and then we made a wall chart. Obviously the same things recurred: the Ugly Sisters, the transformation scene, the ball, the slippers.”
Mike duly set about writing his own Cinderella. “Although there’s been a search to find the definitive version, I think these fairy stories have the same status as Greek myths, in that they contain really strong psychological realities for children, and so I was interested in its mythical and psychological references.”
For all this adult analysis, Mike’s show is suitable for very young audiences.
“There’s been Carol Ann Duffy’s version for the Young Vic’s collection of Grimm’s Tales with the sisters’ self-mutilation scene, which in some ways is increasingly topical because of programmes like Ten Years Younger encouraging women to have things cut off to make themselves look younger… but I don’t go the full gothic hog in my play as it’s for four year olds and upwards.”
Mike’s show is very definitely not a pantomime. “I want it to be entertaining and funny and funny and about something: all the stuff that theatre can be,” he says. “I like the performers to have very direct contact with the audience, and in the biggest twist on the traditional tale, the story will be told by five rats sporting very fine tails.”
Why choose rats, Mike? “Because they’re telling the story of poor Cinderella from the bottom of the pile, the vermin, and they’re humorous as well,” he says.
“My original image was of the Gallagher brothers [of Oasis]: they’re despised by everybody, but they have an energy, a joie de vivre and verve and an ability to survive that’s life enhancing, so I like those extremes.”
Cinderella runs at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, from next Friday to January 23. Box office: 0113 213 7700.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here