Drama Blog - Hairs and Graces - A Cinderella Story

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On 22nd March 2024, the year 7 and 8s of Dolphin School performed their Cinderella story, Hairs and Graces, at South Street Theatre in Reading. Despite entering the theatre at only 11 o’clock that very morning, they staged a slick rendition of this traditional fairy tale later that evening. The writing was marvellous; it reminded me of a pantomime demonstrating plenty of humour, peculiar characters, audience participation and even the all-important (and utterly fabulous) dame.

The children did a fantastic job embodying the characters whenever on stage whether speaking or not. The blue haired princes alongside the entitled step sisters and their mother did brilliantly in maintaining their characters’ strong personalities. Their movement and constant reaction to the main action really brought scenes to life juxtaposing the main characters and allowing them to really shine. I was particularly impressed with the main cast: Leona Hauldren played a demure yet strong willed ‘Cindy’ showcasing her beautiful singing voice; Toby Jeffery really became one with his character, maintaining the passion and single mindedness of an up-and-coming thespian throughout, in addition he and Tom Akazou produced a quick witted and natural friendship. The genuineness of these three young actors truly made the performance shine when combined with the well-executed silliness and theatrics of the rest of the cast.

Judy Seall managed to capture the talents of the students in a remarkable way. Every child had an opportunity to show off their own talents. To list a few: Vivaan Rajul’s adaptation for his injury was seamless, Rei Hughes’ and Leona Hauldren’s musical talents really shone through and Daniel Barton executed a brilliant solo while maintaining the personality and character of ‘Rattus Rattus’. The children showed talents in all areas on the night, taking part behind the scenes in the wings as well as with the sound, music and lighting. Matt Hartley-Stevens wrote an excellent selection of songs for the children which punctuated the production and bolstered the atmosphere effectively throughout the performance alongside his talented year 6 percussionists!

It was a pleasure to watch and critique this professional and thoroughly entertaining performance. What a brilliant end to an action-packed spring term!

                                                            Phoebe Goldsmith