Ever since her mother’s death, Cinderella has been brought up by a cruel stepmother who has two daughters. After her father also dies, her life becomes truly miserable. She must serve her stepmother and sisters and live in a dirty kitchen corner. Her only treasure is a pair of her mother’s beautiful old dancing shoes.
A huge party is planned in the city to find a bride for the Prince. While the stepsisters are getting ready, Cinderella meets an old homeless woman in the basement and helps her with the little that she has. To warm her bare feet, she even gives away her mother’s dancing shoes. The woman turns out to be a fairy who conjures a fabulous dress for Cinderella and servants to escort her to the party.
The party is full of charming maidens, but none of them can win the Prince’s heart. Once Cinderella arrives, the Prince is immediately fascinated by her and dances with her all night. At midnight, however, the spell is broken. Cinderella’s clothes turn into rags and her carriage becomes a pumpkin again. As Cinderella runs out of the castle, one of her dancing shoes falls off.
The next day the Prince attempts to find the owner of the shoe. Cinderella’s stepsisters also try it on in vain. In the end, Cinderella plucks up the courage to come out and meet the Prince. She puts on the shoe with ease, and the two avow eternal love for each other.
A full synopsis and background information are available in the programme booklet.
