Those looking for a little magic and sparkle in these oft-gloomy post-Christmas weeks should get themselves along to The Norbury Theatre Company's latest pano quick-smart.

Cinderella is a cheery production, bubbling over with good will, fun and silliness.

In addition, the company behind this amateur show seem to just get better and better each year.

Although not totally spot-on with their dancing, the chorus opens the show beautifully together and tunefully, with beaming smiles.

The young dancers who, admittedly in previous years have been better at supplying the 'aah' factor than remembering their steps, are brilliant - totally together, impressively poised while the littlest of them still, of course, turn our hearts to mush.

Your Worcester News' own Steve Carley bounces exuberently onto the stage as lovable fool Buttons, with some very decent family-friendly jokes.

Sara Luisa Jones is perfectly cast as Cinders - both for her sweetness and fine singing voice as well as, to paraphrase to my male companion, her visual appeal.

Tam Weir and Tony Catchpowle are brilliantly beastly ugly sisters, working really well together and putting up with all kinds of comic but difficult costumes, from their absurdly long fake-lashed eyes to their perilous platforms.

Andy Brown and Jo Lush have mixed results in their turn as comedy duo Credit and Crunch, though Brown has perfected a very silly walk.

Audrey Holt is a lovely fairy godmother, Pamela Watkins sings and projects well as the prince and ludicrous Lightening is a star in his own right.

The costumes and scenery are very good for an amateur show, but there are some very odd song choices - for instance The Beach Boys' Good Vibrations when the prince sees Cinders at the ball - and most of the songs, though well-performed, only need to be about two thirds of the length.

If the songs were shortened and some of the less successful comedy scenes, such as the beauticians' entrance, cut, the panto would also be a better length, as it weighs in at around a hefty three hours.

We all know the story of the panto by now, but the Norbury Theatre group keep it fresh and perform it with plenty of zeal.

In fact, with the added plus of the intimate atmosphere of the Norbury Theatre itself, this is just as good and probably a cheaper option than a professional panto in terms of banishing January blues.

Cinderella runs until Sunday, January 24.