CINDERELLA is considered the most popular of all pantomimes and in the hands of panto king Brian Conley there can surely be no finer show than what we witnessed last night!

This entire production is an absolute joy, bursting with laughter, fun and festive sparkle.

It zips along at extraordinary speed and I guarantee that if you go once you will want to go again!

And with celebrity stylist Gok Wan working his wardrobe wonders on Cinders and proving a surprisingly enchanting and amusing comedy partner to the utterly brilliant Conley, the panto received a great contemporary twist.

The first half covers most of the key traditional elements and introduces poor downtrodden Cinders, the cruel, spectacularly attired Ugly Sisters, the handsome prince, the Jack-the-lad Buttons – and The Fairy ‘Gok Mother’. It’s a simple tale of good versus evil and this with its abundance of visual gags and slapstick makes it a winner, whether you are three or 93.

A lavish production in which every cast member shines, it features a company of impressive professional dancers and a live orchestra, along with the most spectacular magical effects – not least the most fabulous pumpkin-to-carriage transformation with Cinderella flying out over the audience.

Indeed, the show is full of magical illusions and with Gok – who found fame as a style consultant on TV shows like How To Look Good Naked – giving fashion tips to Cinders, we ultimately witness the most iconic makeover by the master of makeovers.

Gok may be wearing the most unlikely of costumes – a cross between something you wrap the turkey in and a giant shoulderpadded Dynasty cast-off, but it is the persona of the Gok we have come to know and love on TV who graces the stage.

But in a show starring Brian Conley, you can always expect this particular star to eclipse all the spectacle of the show.

After 40 years in the business he is at the top of his game: he doesn’t ham up the part of Buttons but brings light and shade, comedy and pathos to the role. He brings hilarious silliness, engineers brilliant audience interaction, sings, dances and delivers it all with breath-taking pace, leaving the audience howling with laughter.

A highlight comes as Buttons, wanting to impress Cinders, seeks the help of his friend Charlie – a real ‘talking’ horse. Without giving too much away I can reveal this is particularly magical.

Other highlights include a flying motorbike and a talent show spoof ‘Southampton’s Got Talent’.

We even get an on-screen appearance by Ant and Dec!

Following tradition, a few small children were invited on stage for some hilarious and heartstring-tugging improvisation with Brian, after which six-year-old Owen was handed a special goody bag by the star followed by a teddy bear by Gok.

“This is a night Owen will never forget... and that’s the magic of pantomime!” said Brian.

I’m sure magical memories were taken away by all.