Billy Pearce is always hilarious, but the thought of watching his umpteenth Cinderella didn't fill me with breathless anticipation.
But hey, this turns out to be a terrific show that follows the original story without a feeling like a re-run of previous Alhambra versions.
Some parts of the classic plot are dealt with swiftly, others given the full treatment, in a panto that flies by in a shower of fairy dust.
There's lots of magic to enchant the little ones, along with romance, wickedness, song, dance, spectacle and naughty innuendos to keep all the other ages entertained.
Billy uses many of the jokes he uses every year, sprinkling them around like favourite sweets, but there are also plenty of fantastic new comedy set-pieces to bring the house down.
He's ably supported by livewire principlals that include Lynda Bellingham as a flirty Fairy Godmother, Brendan Sheerin as Baron Hardup and Afnan Iftikhar as Dandini.
The songs could have been more memorable, and the Sunbeams weren't used enough, but everything's performed with polish and energy by a likeable cast.
All in all, Cinderella is a great family show to brighten up the winter.
* Until February 3, phone 01274 432000.
David Knights
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