Cinderella

Churchill Theatre, Bromley

It is some years since I last saw a pantomime so I was unsure as to whether Cinderella would live up to my expectations and also whether my three-year-old grandson Zac would like it.

I need not have worried.

Cinderella has all the elements you would expect in a pantomime - fun for all ages; sparkle, dancing; singing; lavish costumes and sets, and even a couple of Shetland ponies.

The dashing Prince Charming (EastEnders star Matt Lapinskas) not only has good looks but a good singing voice too. Together with his ever faithful manservant Dandini (Charles Brunton) the hunt is on to find the beautiful girl he meets in the forest.

Then shock, horror, somebody's mobile rings. Own up, who is it? Up pops a sparkling fairy (Jessica Martin) who shame-facedly answers her mobile wand only to hear that she has just been promoted to Fairy Godmother and has to help Cinderella find her true love.

Poor Cinders (Nickelodeon's Anna Williamson) has to contend with her bitchy ugly sisters Daisy and Lily Hardup (David Ball and Byron Mondhl) as they try to stop her going to the ball and meeting her prince.

Loudly booed every time they made an appearance - the children loved them.

Their costumes were amazing, especially the teatime dresses adorned with cakes, buns, sandwiches, cups and saucers, and teapots. How on earth did they stay upright in those heels!

The star of the show for me and, of course the children, was Buttons (Balamory's Andrew Agnew).

His hilarious antics brought gales of laughter from the audience and lots of "aahs" as he tried to profess his love for Cinderella only to be shunned. Poor Buttons...and just what is in that present the children have to guard so carefully?

He gets the children on their feet singing and doing the actions, which Zac joined in enthusiastically. He has all the right ingredients for panto - full of energy, fun and laughter.

There are some lovely dance routines including children from local dance academies who never seem to miss a step. Well done. One of the best was the song/dance routine What Does the Fox Say staged in the forest.

The "gags" didn't just appeal to the youngsters as the adults were targeted too, albeit a few might go over your head if you don't know the Bromley area.

The only criticisms would be the ugly sisters' boudoir scene went on a bit too long, definitely for Zac who quickly lost interest.

I also felt that a wicked stepmother would have been better than a rather boring Baron Hardup and perhaps the Fairy Godmother could have been a bit more active.

And did Cinders find true love? Well, you will have to go and watch it to find out.

Cinderella is at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley and runs daily until January 5 with tickets ranging from £15. To book, phone 0844 871 7620 (booking fee) or visit the website www.atgtickets.com/bromley