Matthew Bourne's Cinderella

Matthew Bourne's Cinderella returns to Hull New Theatre from Wednesday 24 to Saturday 27 February 2027. It's a New Adventures production, and it's a far cry from the fairytale you grew up with. Bourne moves the story to London in 1940, during the Second World War, and reimagines it as a wartime romance between Cinderella and a young RAF pilot—a love cut short by the horrors of the Blitz.

There's a personal thread to it, too. Bourne describes the show as a tribute to the spirit and resilience of his hometown, with both his parents having been children of the Blitz. It's one of New Adventures' most popular productions, and it won the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance in 1998. The choreographer also notes it was the first and only ballet ever to premiere directly in the West End, and it didn't go on its first UK tour until it was completely revised in 2010.

The production is set to Prokofiev's score, with Lez Brotherston's Olivier Award-winning designs paired with lighting by Neil Austin, video and projection by Duncan McLean, and sound design by Paul Groothuis. Critics have called it a 'valentine to the power of love' (LA Times) and 'a big-hearted ballroom blitz' (The Observer). It's recommended for ages 8+.

There are six performances over the four days: Wednesday 24 February at 7:30pm; Thursday 25 February at 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Friday 26 February at 7:30pm; and Saturday 27 February at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets start from £24.00.