The Making of Cinderella

Matthew Bourne and his cast discuss their reimagining of Charles Perrault’s classic fairy tale, now set against the dramatic backdrop of WWII. Inspired by Frederick Ashton’s legendary production, Bourne’s Cinderella is more empowered, taking charge of her own fate and leaving home amid the Blitz. Ashley Shaw (Cinderella) shares how Bourne provided videos and books to help the cast understand wartime, while Michela Meazza (the stepmother) reflects on how the uncertainty of war added depth to the narrative. Bourne reveals the film “A Matter of Life and Death” influenced his plot structure, Lez Brotherston’s set design, and Neil Austin’s lighting, which masterfully captures the haunting shadows of bombed-out London. The choreographer concludes that his Cinderella is a real woman, not a fairy tale figure, who ultimately (spoiler alert!) has a one-night stand.