Billed as family pantomime this production lives up to its promise for there is something for all – the kids have magic, silly humour along with a ghost routine and dancing skeletons whilst grownups have a fair sprinkling of saucy double entendres.

The story has been tweaked a little so that Cinders’ stepmother becomes the evil counterpart to the good fairy – Carol Hatton relishes the role and is suitably booed & hissed. She puts over with great flair “Easy Street” & “Little Brats”.

A welcome restoration is to bring back the tradition of thigh slapping girls for the principle boy parts. Eleanor Lakin makes a wonderful Prince Charming with a strong voice heard at its best when she duets with Madison Horne’s sweet singing, Cinderella.

Comedy is provided by two cute puppet mice and by hard–working Nathan Potter as Buttons. He also leads an exhilarating tap-dance routine.

The show is exuberant, colourfully lit and special mention hast to be made of the clever dress transformation and the animation sequence that provides Cinderella’s coach.

The first act is 15 minutes overlong, requiring some trimming of the musical numbers which would also provide a better balance.

Overall, a splendid piece of entertainment.