CINDERELLA, Urmston Musical Theatre’s panto, has everything - comedy, magical effects, dancing, and beautiful solos and choral items.

Rik Gaffney does a good job in this, his directing debut

Cinders, the young girl who is forced to sweep the floor and vie with her step siblings for the eye of a handsome prince (Rachel Mellor) is played by Samantha Cooper-Bagnall. She has a lovely voice.

The sisters, unusually played by females, are ugly both inside and out. When men play them they tend to be more comical than wicked but these two are as bad as can be.

Anita Partridge and Helen Halfpenny deserve every boo they get – and they get plenty. They call their sister Cindersmella and lock her in the cellar.

It’s a miracle how the back stage workers turn a white mouse into a horse and a lizard and rat into footmen. Ultra violet lighting is used to transform a pumpkin into a coach.

The ball scene is something to remember. It gives the dancers a chance to strut their stuff whilst wearing gorgeous costumes.

Matthew Darsley’s Buttons keeps the kids involved. In an outstanding performance, he gets them shouting “Hiya Buttons” each time he appears. I love it when he sings You Can’t have it All.

*Cinderella is at the Poolside Theatre, Urmston Leisure Centre, at 7.30pm from February 17 – 20 and noon and 4pm on February 21. For tickets, call 0161 408 1288 or visit umt.org.uk.