Review of Cindy Relisha and the DJ Prince

Written by Aidan O'Rourke
2005-01-27

Cindy Relisha and the DJ Prince takes the Cinderella story and gives it a new spin Jamaican-style. The traditional tale is overlaid with a clever new plot, playing on Jamaican and Afro-Caribbean culture, but always referring back to the original, so you're never lost.

I found the dialect difficult to follow but the laughter of the Jamaican audience members guided me and by the end I was trying to speak it myself. I learned a new word: 'duppy' meaning 'ghost'.

All cast members launch into their roles with gusto and professionalism. There are some great singing performances too, most notably from Cindy, played by Ebony Feare.

Filled with action, repartee, music, dancing, audience interaction, fantasy sequences, smoke, flashing lights and frequent costume changes, there's never a dull moment and the two hours flash by in a whirl.

Not just - as in the final song - a Celebration of Love but a celebration of Jamaican music, culture, humour and vitality. Unmissable.

Review by Aidan O'Rourke Photographer Writer 27 January 2005

Related link: Library Theatre Manchester www.librarytheatre.com