Nestled away in a corner of the Story Museum you’ll find The Woodshed, a charming little studio theatre with walls covered in doors. It’s the perfect spot for a seasonal treat in the form of Cinderella Ice Cream Seller, a perfect fairy tale that acts both as a sequel to the beloved story and a clever retelling of it that manages to offer something both nostalgic and new.
We find ourselves in an ice cream parlour with a pair of staff in the form of Talvi (Lauren Harthorpe) and Caldwell (David Gibb – who also writes and composes the songs). Their task is to serve us ice cream (the show begins with audience members being asked their favourite flavour, which gets incorporated into a fun song – for the record I’m a mint choc chip fan) and tell us the history of the store as well as that of Cinderella herself. The second half of the production, where it truly finds its feet, is a fun reappraisal of the Cinderella narrative. Sure, there’s a prince and cruel carers (in the form of two wicked aunts), but this is not a story of love and escape but of finding your purpose. The message is one of being involved in something bigger than oneself.
It is a genuine treat to watch Cinderella Ice Cream Seller blossom in front of your eyes. There’s a gentle start as we get to know the two characters and see their slightly strained working relationship – one two freewheeling, the other too tied to rules. But almost effortlessly the show builds emotional stakes for these two, aided by Gibbs’ terrific compositions (think Operation Mincemeat-meets-Nick Cope), which gives the final moments a resounding, fist-punch-in-the-air quality.
Much is placed on the two actors on stage, as they surge from Gibbs’ songs whilst playing musical instruments (the set incorporates a piano and there’s also a pair of guitars on hand) to audience interactions to gentle dramatic encounters. And Harthorpe and Gibb do a terrific job at handling all this. Harthorpe is a whirl of energy with a thick emotional streak just under the service. Gibbs’ Caldwell feels more restrained at times but gets in on the fun as the two morph into different characters for the new version of Cinderella as, you guessed it, a wannabee ice cream seller. Gibbs was born to play both the kingdom’s Queen and its Prince. And nestled inside Harthorpe friendly exterior is a panto-level villain waiting to burst out. The Operation Mincemeat comparison feels particularly pronounced in the second half, and our two actors’ energy is impressive.
Vic Spearing’s set is simple but beautifully done, the shop backdrop an exciting thing to see when we first take our seats. Costume changes are minimal, with all additional characters, bar the Prince, represented by different hats and skilled performers’ transformative qualities. Tristan Jackson-Pate’s direction makes this a pacy, engaging affair, blending improvisational moments with effective choreography (particularly when Gibbs and Harthorpe play multiple characters in scenes).
Cinderella Ice Cream Seller is a real seasonal treat from the team at the Story Museum. It’s approachable for the younglings, engaging for the oldlings, a pacy, amusing reappraisal of a fairy tale. Gibbs and Harthorpe are a terrific duo, making this a charming hour of your time, the perfect escape for families this festive season.
My 8 year-old daughter had these thoughts – “I thought it was amazing, as I could see clearly what feelings they were feeling. I liked how it wasn't like Cinderella but something different. And I liked how they brought up an audience member to help them."
My 5 year-old son had these thoughts - "I like how the ice cream didn't melt and I liked it when they pretended to eat ice cream. I also liked the songs."