Following its 2012 premiere and 2016 revival, Stiles and Drewe’s Soho Cinders makes its return to London’s stage with a two-month long run at the Charing Cross Theatre.
Set in Soho’s Old Compton Street, the show follows Robbie (Luke Bayer of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) in a tale of love, politics, drama and scandal.
Robbie is poor, working at his late mother’s laundrette and living in a flat with his step-sisters. Life is certainly a struggle for Robbie but his problems get worse when he becomes romantically involved with the show’s Prince Charming - James Prince - who is both engaged and a candidate running for London Mayor. Things are complicated, to say the least, and the media storm that follows the reveal of their secret affair could ruin everything.
Luke Bayer is wonderful as Robbie. He is charming, sweet and, quite frankly, a delight – someone to really root for. His performance of ‘They Don’t Make Glass Slippers’ is moving, emotional and simply captivating. The relationship between Robbie and Velcro (Millie O’Connell of Six) is perfectly captured between the two actors; the chemistry between the pair is arguably one of the characteristics making the show as enjoyable as it is. Chemistry aside, O’Connell puts on a stellar performance as Velcro – perfectly capturing her quirky attitude and witty, sarcastic humour.
Natalie Harman and Michaela Stern (who also co-produces the show) really stand out with their reprised performances as Robbie’s ‘ugly’ step-sisters, Clodagh and Dana. Having previously starred in the show, the two have perfected the hilariously funny nature of the sisters’ attitudes. With tragic dirty dance moves, cheap humour and vulgar jokes and innuendos, the portrayal is top notch; and their performance of the ever-relatable ‘I’m So Over Men’ is quite possibly the best musical number in the show.
Overall, the show is a perfect combination of elements – the traditional rags to riches story, with a twist. It’s nice to see a production incorporating such contemporary (and appropriate to today’s social climate) themes in a plot, and there really is a bit of everything – it’s not all politics and it’s not all scandal. There’s a perfect balance between each theme and some really heart-warming moments buried within the show.
Not only are the cast extremely talented, but the messages portrayed within the show are well-expressed and well-received; be yourself, and love will always win over fear and dishonesty. So, it really does go without saying that director Will Keith has done a wonderful job in reviving the production.
Yes, the show leaves a bit to be desired - most notably, a more accurate representation of the diversity found in Soho - but, on the whole, Soho Cinders is an enjoyable, exciting re-imagination of the classic tale that we all know and love, complete with the rollercoaster ups and downs of life in the other worldly land of Soho; after all, ‘life’s a circus on Old Compton Street’ so maybe we should join the party.
Soho Cinders runs at the Charing Cross Theatre until 21st December 2019.
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