It had music, magic and romance, but it was Bradley Walsh who kept the audience in fits.

Cinderella at Dartford’s Orchard Theatre was everything you should expect from a good pantomime. Children laughed, they cried, they screamed, and squealed.

A few close-to-the-knuckle jokes, slapstick comedy and some on-stage faux pas kept the adults laughing along as well.

The Ugly Sisters’ wardrobe was something to behold. The foul pair turned up on stage in a different outfit every time – including a Fosters can and an ice cream cone ensemble.

There are more than a few surprises in store and if you think the Shetland is sweet, just wait until you see the real star of the show...

Audience participation was as good as ever with the traditional, “oh no he isn’t” and “he’s behind you” echoing around the auditorium.

“Ooohs” and “ahhhs” filled the theatre when Cinders’ mousey friend was transformed into a Shetland pony to get her to the ball.

I’ve Got a Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas opened and closed the show, getting everybody clapping and singing along – as did Blondie’s One Way or Another and the Ghostbusters theme tune.

Of course last year’s panto, Aladdin, was hugely successful so the question really was, how did Cinderella compare?

Well, there is no 3D – although there is some 4D if you happen to be sat at the front and get squirted with a water gun – and the Ugly Sisters did not have the entrenched evil of Abanazar, played in last year’s show by EastEnders’ bad boy Steve McFadden.

But there are more than a few surprises in store and if you think the Shetland is sweet, just wait until you see the real star of the show. I’ll give you a hint, it’s not Bradley Walsh.

The theatre has outdone itself on this one, but I will not ruin the surprise – you’ll have to see it for yourself.

Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

The panto is on until January 4 and tickets start from £12.50, plus a £1.50 booking fee. Call the box office on 01322 220000 or visit www.orchardtheatre.co.uk