WITH a flash and a bang and the appearance of Liz Grand as the Fairy Godmother, Cinderella at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, was away with a rhyme.

This panto had everything children love to see. The ugly sisters, Trinny and Susannah, played by Paul Tate, who also wrote and directed, and Chris Vincent were incredibly garbed. They produced some really good moves, singing and dancing their way through an Abba sequence that could have come from Mama Mia.

The transformation scene was also handled very cleverly by The Star Puppets, getting round the dress and coach magic in a clever and entertaining way that children loved.

Cinderella, Sarah-Jane Bourne, bullied by the uglies, looked suitably downcast and sang sweetly. She was as warm and sympathetic as Cinders should be. She was adored by Buttons, played by Daniel Whitley who was her willing slave with a joke and a song. He worked for the Baron very Hardup, played by Jack Wild. Wild's part was a sterling performance from a real trouper, despite the sad loss of his voice. The Landlady of the pub, Buttercup was played in great style by Ann Mayor, great character. Prince Charming, Claire Harding and Dandini, Jackie Bevan, played with good humour and amazing legs, and the Major Domo, Edward Stokoe, was just right for his MC role at the Ball. Good music and some great dancing from the Star Stage school complete this great family pantomime. It runs until January 1. Review by Martin Smith