Scottish Opera’s touring production of ‘Cinderella’ is a refreshing and clever version of a well-loved tale. Don’t miss it!

Seen at its world premier last month in East Wood Park Theatre – the first of 19 venues throughout Scotland – it provided an elegant evening’s entertainment. Music Director and Pianist Ian Ryan should take a special bow for being the sole accompaniment for the seven superb singers.

An assistant director with the company in times past, Harry Fehr made his debut as Director with Scottish Opera with this lovely production. He said, ‘I’ve been fortunate to be teamed with a cast of dynamic singers who have taken this journey into the world of Rossini’s ‘funny drama’ (drama giocoso).

Set in the Regency period, with a double-stranded bracelet replacing the traditional glass slipper, the story revolves around the Baron Magnifico’s attempts to marry off his two daughters while hiding his guilt at using up the money that was rightly the inheritance of his stepdaughter Angelina (Cinderella).

When the Prince sets out to find a wife he is aided by his valet Dandini who swaps places with him so that he can appraise the candidates accurately. The Prince’s tutor Alidoro plays fairy godmother by getting Cinders to dinner with the Prince.

Scottish Opera’s General Director Alex Reedijk commented, ‘This tour from Biggar to Kirkwall, shows how seriously Scottish Opera takes its responsibility as the national opera company of Scotland.’

Opera fans and people who’ve never been to an opera will get a tremendous amount of pleasure from this clear look at human frailties, emotions and motives. Gioacchino Rossini and his librettist Jacopo Ferretti created this delightful version within four weeks for its launch in January 1817.

Thank goodness Scottish Opera has had the courage to dust this libretto off and re-present it in most enjoyable way. It is a great showcase for the seven voices as well as the set and costumes designed by Tom Rogers.

Cleverly, Eastwood Park Theatre, set in Eastwood Park, Giffnock has programmed a wonderful variety of first class entertainment to encourage new audiences to try their splendid re-furbished facilities.

Not long after Scottish Opera’s Cinderella, the theatre had the Matt McGinn Magic Songbook Show. This month the Tall Stories Theatre Company presents Monster Hits from Thursday October 11 to Saturday October 13. For further information check websites: www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk and scottishopera.org.uk.