Good evening all,

Apologies that this reaches you a little in the day, however I’m guessing all the ‘youngsters’ have
been nursing hangovers, us ‘oldies’ have been doing childcare or getting jobs done or catching up
after with work after a manic week – so hopefully this will be pleasant bedtime reading.

Firstly…A massive and genuine thank you for working so hard the past three weeks. We have a
lovely little show and feedback has already been positive. I was delighted to have the show in such a
good state by Friday night and of course we’ve now had five shows to see what lands, what doesn’t
and where the highs and lows may be.

The plan is to have a 10:30 call tomorrow where we work the following cuts and changes – you’ll be
relieved to hear there aren’t too many. The word “cuts” always strikes fear into actors and of course
I apologise if anyone is losing a ‘favoured line’ or ‘moment’. Ultimately, we have to do what is right
for the show and I really do believe that with the tiniest amount of tweaking we could have a corker
on our hands.

I am referencing pages numbers from the edited script which I have asked Cat top resend. This is the
version understudies should be using – as it is the technical book for the show. Please cross
reference with your own scripts if you haven’t printed the new one.

Included here are a few notes from Julian and Indianna which I have included in one email save
confusing things. There are also a couple of personal notes which I’ll do tomorrow.
PG & NB – I would like to change “Aren’t we just adorable” to “Don’t you just love us!” for every cue
please. We don’t seem to be getting the boos yet – this may aid things. Can you also add one after
“That’s what you think” before Greatest show.

On this I think we need to let the villainy land a little, and please don’t be afraid top mug it a bit
more if needs be. I will look at a couple of particular moments tomorrow.

 Pg 7 – Can we please try…

Kimmy: We have men queueing up for us… we’re sex symbols… we get love letters
and everything.

Buttons: Where from Wormwood scrubs! Ha - more like the little poo emoji!

Coleen: [Grabbing him] Listen here, laddie! We are here to bag ourselves a hubby.
We have not come here to be insulted by you.

 Also pg 7.
Coleen: Especially children with flashing toys and bags of sweets… unless they’re
sharing!

Kimmy: Cinderella – take all of our luggage up to our rooms and light the fires!

Buttons: She can’t do all of that by herself, it’ll hurt her back.

Coleen: Silence dimwit! You will make sure all of this mess is cleared up place is
immaculate before Prince Charming arrives!
  Ensemble can we please have more of a reaction to the sisters as they leave to Hard up Hall
– so that the “Horrible sisters line” reads.
 Can Mr Brook please only do one trial with the Box with Ms Leatherland entering straight
away. This needs to be a swift entrance so the stage isn’t silent. GL – please come in earlier.

 Can we please lose the following Buttons line…. Bringing Mr Gordons cue earlier.
Buttons: Shrek and Donkey!

Buttons doesn’t notice the sisters enter and approach behind him!

Cinderella: Erm… Buttons.

Buttons: And Coleen – wowzers! She’s a gal isn’t she? Those clothes? She looks like
she’s been lagged for the winter!

Coleen: Are you talking about us?

Buttons: No… I’m just talking about Cinderella’s Ugly Step Sisters. What a couple of
mingers. [realising] Oh dear!

 NB – can we look at making the shooing of Buttons nastier. We’ll look at this tomorrow.
 Pg 10. We need to be nastier here please. Please notice the slight change of wording. Also
on the “ah ah ah” can PG and NB please take GL’s shoulder and push her down. It looks odd
how I’ve blocked it.

Kimmy: No more of these silly little games. What we say goes. You do exactly what
we tell you.

Coleen: And that goes for your ‘dialectually’ challenged boyfriend too!

Cinderella: He’s not my boyf- BUT…

Coleen: Ah ah ah… don’t interrupt Cinderella. It’s rude.

Kimmy: You will go and fetch the firewood immediately.

 PG & NB please keep the cackle going until full blackout has landed at the end of this scene.
 My lovely guards – I’m afraid the bumbling on Kit’s entrance just isn’t working. It hasn’t
landed once yet – sadly I think it’s one of those things that was ‘for the rehearsal room’ –
although you both do it beautifully. We will look at new blocking tomorrow.

 Mr Burt – small thing but it’s “inside of my carriage” – you keep saying “this carriage” and
obviously there’s nothing there.

 Can we please lose the “swap places” movement. If CB could just shrug and shake his head
that will allow KHH to do his ad lib. Sorry – bad direction – it’s not right for the character
and isn’t landing.
  Can we please run these lines as one….

Charming: Dandini – you’re a genius.

Dandini: Yes sir, that I am aware of!

Charming: Right, well I’ll need to teach you how to talk more Prince like. I know…
Dandini, what do we breathe?

 Air – Hair – Lair etc. – playing really nicely now and much better now you’re both looking out
front. Thank you.

 On the exit of 1:3 (pg 16) can we please try and get the liens in the right order. Mr Burt –
please wait for KHH to finish as we’re losing you line a little and that’s a shame as it’s so well
delivered.

 Ensemble and Mr Burt I want to re-block the entrance over into the woods so that the
“thank you boys” bit is done over the music. We’ll do this tomorrow.

 Pg 18 – Slight re blocking. Can both Mr Gordon and Mr Barclay please enter together and
trap Dandini centre. Again, sorry – directional error – but it’s holding us up. We’ll look at it
tomorrow.

 The big cut which has already been discussed with most of those involved. Basically we are
losing the re-entry of the sisters in this scene along with the animal bite and stamp. I will of
course be running this with full tech tomorrow – Ms Stinton can you please make notes to
feedback to the Juveniles.
Cinderella: Hello – is someone there? Oh I don’t like it here. I wish I was safe at home.
Come on Cinderella be brave… find the firewood and then you can go back.
Oh no… what was that…?

We hear rustles and snapping twigs. Cinderella hides behind a tree as the
animals start to appear and come CS.

[Approaching and stroking them] Oh how wonderful.

The animals are startled and run away

Oh sorry – I didn’t mean to startle you. Hello. Aren’t you beautiful? Oh this
place isn’t scary at all boys and girls? It’s a bit dark but its home to all of these
lovely friendly animals. Are you hungry? I’ve got some bread left – here you
are.

Just as all of the animals have gathered the Uglies run in shouting to scare
them away, the smallest hides behind Cinders shaking.

Kimmy: Look Coleen, Vermin hanging round with Vermin!

Cinderella: What did you do that for! They have done nothing to you!
Coleen: We didn’t mean to startle the little darlings. Kimmy, go and show the little…
thing…. you’re sorry!

Kimmy entices the creature and starts patting its head laboriously.

Kimmy: There. There. Who’s a pretty… thing then!

Coleen: You see Cinderella… Kimmy loves ___?___!

Kimmy: Yeah I love ___?___. I mean [picking her up pretending to hug her] who
doesn’t love ___?___? Turned into a beautiful fur coat!

Cinderella: Nooooooo!

Coleen: Talking to animals Cinderella?

The animal bites Kimmy’s hand, she falls, stamps on Coleen’s foot and runs
away. They overreact.

Kimmy: Oooooh! It bit me!! I’m dying. Coleen I can feel it. It’s rabies!

Coleen: This is your fault you vile little girl! My foot’s broken!

Kimmy: I think I’m dying!!!

Coleen: Look what you’ve done! You think we’ve made life difficult thus far
Cinderella… Just you wait!!!

Kimmy: I’m going to faint… Coleen… I can see a white light! Up for an Oscar.

Coleen: Up for a P45 more like. Come on. And Cinderella… don’t forget the firewood!

Kimmy: Carry me….!

Coleen: GET OFF!

Uglies: Aren’t we adorable! [They exit]

Cinderella: Oh those two!!! [Calling off] I hate you! I hate you, I hate YOU!!!

We go into the ♫This is Me ♫ ballet. Cinderella dances and juves as animals

join. They bring sticks. Half way through Fairy Sweetness enters US of the
ballet, dressed as a hag. She watches and as the ballet finishes Cinderella’s
final positon results in her presenting the wood to the hag. Can we delay Ms
Gayle’s entrance. Instead the ballet finishes with the animals with Cinderella
and Ms Gayle enters as the old lady as the following lines happen.

Are you hungry? I’ve got some bread left – here you are. Oh – I am sorry.
Are you ok?

Fairy G: [In an old ladies voice] Oh yes dear, don’t mind me. Just on a little stroll to try
and find some firewood.

Cinderella: I’ve been doing the same, but there seems to be so little about.
  Ms Gayle – can you take a beat and punch the “Come my gorgeous animals” line out front a
bit more – we’re losing it slightly.

 Can we say the “Hellos” with Prince and Cinders in the specials please and then snap when
Cinders breaks.

 Can Mr Brook not enter upstage of the cut cloth before the wall and lose “Cinders – who’s
he?” Instead can he please come on DSL as if to say “Alright me babbies” but cut himself off
when he sees the two lovers getting on to the wall.

 Pg 24.
Coleen: Oh that’s sounds fab!!! What man doesn’t love big lips!

 I think it’s time for us to say a fond farewell to Sir Henry… it’s not landed once yet. So can
we come straight in with “KIMMY: Go on then – hook me up.” And can Mr Brook please go
and fetch the hoover – Mr Hodgson please keep the play on music but take Kimmy’s line
“hook my up” as the cue.

 Can the Radio times please be set ready for collection on the rear, stage right side, of the
hairdryer truck.

 Can the pyro on pg 25 please be held until

Coleen: Bad luck sis! Can you smell burning? Mmm smells like Hogroast. [FIRE] Oh
no… I’,m on fire.
The smoke still starts at the same cue please.

 Can we lose Buttons lines in the section please, so that it’s quick fire with sisters.
Buttons: [Being chased] No please – Cinderella help!

Kimmy: “Cinderella Help!”… I think someone has a little crush on out little sister
Coleen.

Coleen: Who Basketcase?

Buttons: We’re just friends…. Unfortunately.

Kimmy: You’re not really her type though are you?

Buttons: What d’you mean?

Coleen: Well you need to be more of a modern man for a start.

Kimmy: More, Metrosexual… get a tan! A wax.

 Can we cut the hand and feet in Tanomatic so that we have body, face and ‘down there’.
  Just a thought for NB and PG… do we think the dancing into the kitchen is losing the drama?
Interested to hear thoughts tomorrow.

 Pg. 32
Coleen: Well guess what… we’re going as guests of honour. The Prince fancies me!

Cinderella: Poor man!

Kimmy: Would you like to go to the ball Cinderella?

 Pg. 33

Kimmy: I think it’s safe to assume Coleen CHILDREN that Cinderella will definitely not
be going to the ball!

 Pg. 34 when Buttons does the splits can he just shout Cinderella please and cut the rest of
the line.
and just after that…

Cinderella: Buttons you are funny – thank you for making me laugh.
It’ll just tighten the moment slightly.

 Pg. 38 – Ms Leatherland can you please say “My friend Buttons can help us! He’s just gone
to bed - I’ll go wake him.

 Ms Leatherland please remember with the new lines, when talking about the Prince “it’ll
make me so happy” so that the Fairy’s response makes sense.

 Can we please lose Mr Brook’s entrance in the Ball scene. Pg. 42…

Coleen: The Prince won’t know what’s hit him.

Kimmy: One look at me – he’s bound to pop a cracker!

Coleen: Give over, he’ll be focusing on me… wanting to find my sixpence!

Dandini: From the far off mystical land of ‘ Bur-ming-um’ Lord Buttons Wundaweb
Zipitupski.

Buttons: Alright me Babbies. I snuck in!! Wow look at this lot. I feel a bit under dressed.
I mean look … They’ve got Ralph Lauren, Gorgio Armini, Stella McCartney…
and here’s me in the latest Fred Bare!

Dandini rushes down the stairs to the Prince

Dandini: Sire, a rather magnificent horse drawn carriage has just pulled up at the gate.
They have no invitation – should I permit entry…?

Can we please do the conga as we did in rehearsals when I was ‘stepping out’ with Jack linking up
with Cinderella. Mr Brook will then enter from US at the end of the number…

Buttons: Alright me babbies! I snuck in!! Alright Cinders… isn’t this exciting...!

Cinderella: Shhhhhhhh… I’m the Princess Starlight!

Buttons: Oh yes – Shhh! So…this is where the Prince holds his balls and dances.

 Can everyone please, please remember to cheer at the end of shut up and dance. It needs a
big reaction. ‘Let’s get a drink’ etc. We’ll rehearse this cut tomorrow.

 I’d like to rework (pg 43) the interaction with uglies and audience member.
 Can Mr Brook please exit with Ms Leatherland in the Ball scene after holds his balls and
dances. Don’t wait DSR. Mr Brook to re-enter on “they’re the basis of this script” pg. 44 in
the same portal the Prince exits from so they have to barge past him.

 Can Mr Hesketh-Harvey please deliver his “turn them off” line to the audience.

Dandini: My kind of chap – I’ll go fetch the bubbles. Back in a pro-sec-co!

Coleen: [Bursting in] Where’s is he?

Kimmy: That young oik of a Prince turned us down.

Dandini: If only someone could turn you them off! I’ll bring two bottles! [exits]

Coleen: How could he refuse this? I even put my Woking FC bra on.

 Mr Hodgson – is there anything we can add during the slipper proclamation pg. 46 to make it
sound a bit more dramatic? More percussion/symbols?

 Mr Hesketh-Harvey and Mr Burt – can we pick up the pace of the cues before I am What I
am… The number is fab and going down a storm as predicted and the lovely pay off at the
end is cute – we just need a bit of a ‘smoother entry’.

 JB, PG, NB – we all just need to keep an eye on timings and make sure it doesn’t eek out. NB
can you please do the “dark side line” as it’s said beautifully but can we then lose the
“ready?” bit and just go straight in with “if you can’t beat em”.

 Mr Gordon – can you please bring the bench on in your downstage hand. We’re lolsing it
behind the dress and leave a beat for them to realise before going into Dandini.

 Lose the screaming sound effect I think it’s confusing them.

Coleen: Oi Buttface – I want a word with you! What was this bench doing outside my
room?! Oooh, Dan the man… you came for me!

Dandini: Oh heavens it’s you! Where’s your repellant, sorry, radiant sister.
Coleen: She’s gone to do her before bed beauty regime, y’know, pluck the eyebrows,
shave her legs etc. etc. etc…..

SFX of a chainsaw being fired up off stage followed by a scream!

Dandini: Tell me is Hardup Hall… hunted?

Buttons: Don’t be daft – course it’s not hunted.

We hear a ghost

Dandini: Then what was that.

 Pg. 56 – sorry my fault again – this is little punch up is muddying things…./

Cinderella: Prince Charming – is coming here?

Kimmy: He most certainly is – today is the day he asks me to be his wife.

Coleen: NO… he’ll ask ME to be his wife!

Kimmy: NO – ME!

Coleen: ME.

The roll their sleeves up as if to have a fight. They become aware of

themselves and go back to being (un)ladylike.

Cinderella: Oh, I can’t wait to see him again!

 PG – trap door moment is beautifully played!

 Pg.58 can the ensemble please enter on “never better” and Mr Barclay please change the
line to…

Kimmy: Never better. And look he brought an entourage! Hold on who let you lot in…

 KHH – I know this line is quickly – but at the moment it’s coming across as if you’re bored.
Can you please ignore the stage direction and proclaim it… hopefully then the chair gag will
have more of an impact – ensemble bigger reactions to this please.

Dandini: [Quickly in one breath] His majesty has proclaimed that every fair maiden in the
Kingdom is to try on the Crystal Slipper – the girl that it fits he promises to
marry! [Breathe] Right, give me a chair!

 Mr Burt – when you tell Dandini that you’re leaving… can you not. Just make the point and
Kit please come straight in. Ensemble please loose the “oooooh”. Pg.59
  Can Mr Burt please take Button’s line… (pg. 60)

Buttons: No way! It can stay down there! Oh no – what are we going to do now?

Charming: Oh no – what are we going to do now?

And can Buttons shout “Fairy Sweetness” before Ms Gayles says hello.

 Much bigger reactions (good or bad) when Cinders is released please.

 Mr Gayle – can we please have a much bigger and more shattering “Slipper smash sfx”? I
think we’re losing it at the moment. Can we then have the “dum dum dum” sting please Mr
Hodgson before Mr Burt continues. Pg.61

A few other little bits….

 Can stage management source anything better than the funnel for the Lip Smacka…? I think
it looks a bit silly and we’re still seeing the lips inside.