The story of Cinderella originated it is claimed as far back as 7BC as the story of Rhodopis, recounted by the Greek geographer Strabo about a Greek slave girl who marries the king of Egypt.
The first literary European version of the story was published in Italy by Giambattista Basile in his Pentamerone in 1634.
The most popular version was published by Charles Perrault in Histoires ou contes du temps passé in 1697. It became popular as the story moved into the realms of fantasy with the introduction of the pumpkin, the fairy-godmother and the glass”slippers.
By 1812 the Brothers Grimm had included it in their folk tale collection Grimms’ Fairy Tales.
Of course we all know it today as a Disney production, books and from attending pantomimes.
It is fascinating to think that this story from as early as 7BC still has a magical draw for children of all ages. Head to Theatr Ffwrness up until the end of January and you are sure to see faces covered with delight and hear children and parents hiss and boo at the dastardly doings of the visual appeal challenged step sisters and the stepmother.
With more dames than a BAFTA ceremony, Mr Panto Llanelli’s Denny Twp, the sets, costumes, production and cast having certainly had more than a little help from a Fairy God-person (PC as always). There really is only one word to describe what to expect if you purchase a ticket for the production of Cinderella now showing at Theatr Ffwrness. It is ‘stunning’.
Photos by Byron Williams
