Cinderella's cool performance at Macready Theatre
- ann-evans
- May 30
- 3 min read
Little Seeds Music present Cinderella Ice Cream Seller written and composed by David Gibb directed by Tristan Jackson-Pate. At Macready Theatre, Rugby, on 29 and 30 May at 2.30pm. Doors open at 2pm.
Review by Ann Evans.
The two fabulous stars of Cinderella Ice Cream Seller certainly scooped up the applause for their sparkling performance at Macready Theatre, Rugby School, yesterday 29 May. Lauren Harthorpe and David Gibb play Talvi and Caldwell respectively, and they melted the hearts of the audience as they told the story of the rise to fame of the Cinderella Ice Cream Parlours through song, music and comedy.
With the lights going up on a colourful set of a Cinderella Ice Cream Parlour, we meet Talvi, (actor, musician, singer Lauren Harthorpe) who loves making ice cream and dreams of having her own recipe accepted by the famous founder of the ice cream parlours, Cinderella. In fact, she’s entered a competition to try and win the prize of getting her recipe on the official Cinderella menu – and meeting the great lady herself.
Talvi’s boss is Caldwell (writer, composer, actor and musician David Gibb) who has his own dreams but keeps them under wraps. Left to his own devices Caldwell is a bit dull, a bit boring and a bit of a stick-in-the-mud. Fortunately for him, Talvi is a powerhouse of fun – with the most incredibly powerful voice.
She changes the way Caldwell delivers his dull lecture on how Cinderella started her ice cream business and achieving her dream of having an ice cream parlour on every street corner. Telling this tale, this multi-talented twosome play a variety of different characters, mainly by changing hats! From Cinderella herself to the mean Bon-Bon Sisters, who do everything to stop Cinderella from making ice cream, to the Godfather, (as opposed to a fairy Godmother!) the Prince’s servants and the Prince who falls in love with Cinderella’s delicious pumpkin flavoured ice cream which she serves at the Ball in a glass slipper.
This fun story has all the classic Cinderella elements running through it with a unique and ice-cool twist. The songs have been written specially for this musical by David Gibb and delivered brilliantly by David and Lauren who also play live piano and guitar to accompany their fabulous musical renditions.
Making the performances at Rugby's Macready Theatre extra special this week was the fact that the theatre has been able to provide free tickets to around 50 less fortunate families from the Rugby community – families from diverse backgrounds who are currently facing various challenges in their lives.
A spokesperson for the mums, dads and little ones who enjoyed the show yesterday said, “We received wonderful feedback from both the children and their parents. For many of our guests, this was their very first experience attending a theatre performance—and it was truly unforgettable. They spoke highly of the vibrant lighting and the positive energy that radiated throughout the show. What stood out most was how the actors involved the audience in parts of the play. That level of interaction made everyone feel special and engaged. Our guests genuinely enjoyed it and are already looking forward to coming back for future performances."
Macready Theatre Manager, Amie Johnson said, “We have worked with these less fortunate families for a couple of years now. They first saw Horrible Histories in Festival on the Close a couple of years ago and we want to continue building up our relationship."
Amie commented also on how grateful they were for the funding support they receive from Rugby School and their Festival on the Close sponsors. She also added, "We are delighted to welcome Little Seeds Music with their new musical, Cinderella Ice Cream Seller. It’s just one hour duration and suitable for children aged 5+. It has live music and is a joyous, colourful production.”
For tickets go to: Macready Theatre: https://macreadytheatre.co.uk/
For details of Tour Dates and venues please visit: www.littleseedsmusic.co.uk
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