The classic fairytale usually sees the bullied scullion rescued from a life of drudgery by her Prince Charming.

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But in Cinders, a bloke is saved by a princess — as a gay love story not involving the main characters unfolds in the background.

Scottish Ballet says its adaptation is the first in the world to break with tradition.

The company is staging two versions, with one telling the beloved original tale.

The audience will not know which they will see until the curtain is lifted.

But Scottish Ballet faced outrage online, with X user Davie Tait insisting the company should “have all their taxpayer funding revoked immediately.”

He added: “Utter woke bulls**t.”

Another user wrote: “You gotta be kidding.”

The Ballet’s chief executive Christopher Hampson said: “I’m delighted to be bringing this fresh approach to such a well-known fairytale.

“I’m enjoying the playfulness of searching for who guides the narrative and who drives the dream.”

Cinders will tour Scotland from November with tickets up to £55.50.