IN these days when “soshul meejah” rules many lives and the importance of celebrity seems to depend more and more on appearance, Bec Applebee’s clever take on the story of Cinderella is a timely tale.

Ella has been brought up on the farm by her devoted parents and a chicken for a chum. When her mother dies her dad remarries, and Ella is thrilled to hear that the new wife has two daughters who are coming to stay.

Unfortunately, Grace and Charity’s idea of country life is gleaned from Country Living and Celebrity Homes, so the farm, with no wi-fi, no neighbouring shops and no people, is not to their taste.

Imagine their excitement when they get invitations to a three-day bash at the grand Manor Farm next door, with the dishy Justin as the prize. And imagine how they want Ella to be there too … not.

We know the end of the story, but the moral is that we shouldn’t judge by appearances and should be happy in our own skins, not endlessly trying to be someone else.

Bec Applebee joins Mary Woodvine and Jenny Beare playing all the characters except the chicken, delightfully played by Little Red Rooster.

It’s a great show, full of colour, fun, dancing and rural charm, and you can see it at Gillingham School on 9th or Halstock Village Hall on 10th December. It’s well worth the visit to see these three versatile actors, who all cut their thespian teeth with Kneehigh, tell a familiar story in a modern and interesting way.

Contact Artsreach for more details.

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