Cinders!

The evening is built around Prokofiev’s famous score, which avoids the sugary tones of traditional fairy tales in favour of a more atmospheric and cinematic soundscape. You will hear the Scottish Ballet Orchestra navigate the composer’s signature sharp rhythms and expansive melodies, which ground the fantastical narrative in a sense of psychological weight. The choreography by Christopher Hampson introduces a distinct element of unpredictability to the structure of the performance. A key feature of this production is that the lead roles are not fixed; a surprise element of chance dictates who will take the central part at each specific showing. This means the dynamic on stage changes every night, requiring the dancers to remain highly responsive. Listen for the clocks and metallic ticking sounds in the percussion section during the pivotal midnight scene, which drive the momentum of the second act toward its conclusion.

Scottish Ballet is the national dance company of Scotland, known for a repertoire that spans both large-scale classical revivals and innovative new works. Based in Glasgow but frequently touring the UK and abroad, they are joined here by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. The ensemble is recognised for its versatile dancers who are as comfortable with narrative storytelling as they are with contemporary movement. The presence of their own dedicated orchestra ensures a close sympathetic link between the pit and the stage, providing a robust musical foundation for the company’s stylistic range.

This performance takes place at the Eden Court Theatre in Inverness and has a total running time of approximately 120 minutes. Its familiar story and modern visual style make it an accessible choice if you are attending a ballet for the first time. The production is a purely dance-based interpretation of the narrative, so there is no libretto or singing to follow. There is no specific dress code for this venue, and tickets are available from a starting price of ten pounds.