Cinderella the Musical Pantomime, the Mayflower LOOK no further than your own doorstep for everything that embodies the magic of Christmas.

Cinderella the Musical Pantomime is not only by far the most spectacular panto I have ever seen, but is also up there with the best musical theatre on offer anywhere.

Within the first ten minutes, Christopher Biggins descends from the sky on a rope ladder and our fairy godmother Stefanie Powers appears to fly above the stalls, to the amazement of my small companions. Of course, I know she can’t really fly, but this is so impressive for a moment I truly believed. The audience participation does not stop thereexpect to be sprayed with water or showered with sparkles. A wonderfully naughty Biggins gets into character as Buttons and involves us in the quest to send our beautiful heroine Cinders (Rachel Stanley) to the ball.

Mathew Kelly and his son Mathew Rixon steal the show as the hilarious ugly sisters complete with the most incredible costumes imaginable.

We could not have wished for a more perfect Disneyesque Prince Charming Craig McLachlan.

Special mention must also go to the team of local children who delighted every time they made an appearance on stage.

This is a stunning spectacle which really does have it all. Which other panto could bring you a full orchestra, a flying horse and carriage a la Chitty chitty bang bang, Abba, Madonna, High School Musical and 2,000 people singing Oh When the Saints Go Marching In?