A spellbinding new take on Cinderella for all the family comes to Hartlepool  

This sparkling performance by Tutti Frutti Productions re-imagines the classic story of Cinderella – this time set by the sea! - with some new twists and turns to make you chuckle and inspire your real self to shine through.

Adapted by BAFTA nominee and Chair of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain Emma Reeves (Tracey Beaker, The Worst Witch), the show removes the old ideas of the ‘ugly’ step-sisters and that ‘happily-ever-after' must mean being rescued by a prince.

Instead, Cinderella loves the outdoors and championing sustainability in her seaside town home, but clashes with her new family who constantly buy new things online and live their lives behind screens.

Meanwhile, a lonely Prince Charming is exhausted by portraying someone he’s not for social media during the launch of his ‘The Glass Slippers’ brand.

When the two of them meet by chance on the beach, it’s clear that they can both be themselves and quickly become friends.

Blending storytelling with an original soundtrack, humour and Tutti Frutti’s distinctive set design, this new spin on the classic fairytale explores perception, authenticity and the wonders of the natural world with the use of actor musicians.

The show is at Community Hub South in Wynyard Road and lasts 60 minutes. There are two performances to choose from – at 11am and at 1.30pm. Tickets cost £7 for adults and £5 for children or £20 for a family ticket of four people – book at www.explorehartlepool.com/events/the-glass-slippers.

Emma Reeves said: “Cinderella is one of the most beloved fairy tales, and one of the oldest stories in the world.

The Glass Slippers - a fresh, new take on a classic fairy tale

“I realised that the traditional Cinderella story says a lot about public image versus reality. In pretty much every version, a poor, overlooked girl becomes a social sensation because she’s got the right clothes.

“Today’s young people are growing up in a world shaped by the interaction between the real and the virtual. I felt that it was more important than ever to stress the value of personal connection – and finding the truth behind the curated public image."

Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “Tutti Frutti have a reputation for producing top quality children’s theatre over 30 years and this show is a great opportunity to introduce your youngsters to the wonder of the performing arts.

“It’s a fresh, exciting take on a classic tale, with music and movement which will captivate young audiences.

“As well as being a lot of fun, all fairytales hold moral lessons and The Glass Slippers is no exception – including the importance of being yourself, playing outside in nature and avoiding too much screen time!”