one4review | On 26, Aug 2026

What a clever premise; What happened before Dorothy walked down that yellow brick road? Wait, no, not that one. What happens when Cinderella is off enjoying her happily-ever-after? Well, those evil stepsisters are still around, and it turns out they aren’t just background players with a bit of a nasty streak; they’re people too, with goals and feelings and an evil mother of their own! Maybe if that mother wasn’t such a baddie, they might have had a chance?! Next we’ll get a musical about the evil stepmother being tragically misunderstood? I’m being wicked. This show is lots of fun and follows our heroes being kicked out by the wonderfully performed and highly panto-style ‘Mother’ and having to fend for themselves as they figure out who they truly are.
I want to make it clear that our sisters are fantastic, but the absolute highlight of this production is the Fairy Godfather, with constant energy, performance and comedy timing that absolutely steals the show.
The vocal performances are fab, and the songs are good fun if somewhat forgettable. You may not leave with an earworm, but they get the story from A to B, and you’ll enjoy them all the same. There isn’t a dull moment; we’re constantly moving from one set piece to another, and the hour moves at a great pace.
The show’s message is nothing new: love who you are, not how you look; it’s a sweet moral with lots of silliness thrown in. A great musical for the family, especially if this is a first for little ones; my children loved it, and I bet you will too!
****
Reviewed by Matthew
11.40 to 12.50
Underbelly Ermintrude
Until 31st August