REVIEW: Apparently Ugly: A Stepsister Story

Star rating: ★★★★

We all know the story of Cinderella, but what actually happened to her evil stepsisters? Apparently Ugly: A Stepsister Story gives us their side of the tale. It’s a story full of laughter with a beautiful message: everyone is beautiful in their own way.

At the beginning of the show, we meet Agnes, played by Amber Hegarty, and Olga, played by Hannah McRoche, who have just returned from Cinderella’s wedding. Now that she is gone, what are they supposed to do? They ask their evil mother, played by Nicky Douglas, for advice, but she tells them: you’re ugly. She gives them a mission: come home with a husband, or you won't be allowed back in.

With that mission in mind, Olga and Agnes wish they were beautiful, but will their wish be heard? Of course, a fairytale isn’t a fairytale without a Fairy Godfather, played by the incredible Elliott Wooster. Throughout the show, we get references to Cinderella that are genuinely funny. Elliott’s comedic timing is spot on; everything he does on stage is hilarious, making him absolutely perfect for this role.

Without much decor, there is just one clever main set piece on stage that transforms into different scenes, with shifting lights that constantly create new vibes. The score, written by Nicky Douglas, is backed by impressive vocals and harmonies from the cast—especially during the title song, "Apparently Ugly," which is a real highlight of the show.

Overall, Apparently Ugly is an enjoyable show to catch at the Fringe, featuring a talented cast. It’s a fun piece of theatre you can just enjoy without worrying about a complex plot or anything that's too hard to understand.