T'is the season to be jolly - so we're told. And, if you're like me, it's the season to believe in pure magic...

It's a time when you want to believe that the Police and Social Services shouldn't need to be tipped off that a big bloke in red and white clothes is breaking and entering houses on the evening of the 24th December particularly targetting children and stealing mince-pies, carrots and smelling strongly of sherry. A time that you can gloss over your suspicions that Joe may have been a teensy bit gullible in accepting Mary's far-fetched story about the paternity of her unborn child. And a time when you can graciously accept the fifteenth pair of badly knitted socks from Aunty Mabel again this year.

It's also the occasion when a little glitter and campery takes to the stage (more so than usual) at a theatre near you. It's panto season - the only time of year in the luvvie calendar when it's perfectly acceptable to loudly and verbally disagree with the performers (oh yes it is!) and give your own directional instructions (look behind you!). And this year, The Theatre Royal in Brighton bring you Cinderella - the most magical of all pantomimes.

This year's telling of that tale of a mistreated step-sibling, spurned love and a more ingenious use of pumpkin than even Nigella could manage. Kim and Aggie (of 'How Clean Is Your House' fame) play the Ugly Sisters and Brighton's own queen of drag queens, Dave Lynn, is the wicked stepmother. Together with a small, but perfectly formed cast, they tell this magical tale with comedy, dance and song, not to mention plenty of banter with the audience.

Despite being rather integral to the plot, the role of the Fairy Godmother (played by Liza Pulman) can be a pretty thankless task as a character. However, in opening the show, it soon becomes clear that Miss Pulman takes great pleasure in her performance and quickly warms the audience to her. Watch out for her comedic wrestle with the cloak in the woods!

Ben Redfern, as Dandini, also puts in a great performance in a part that can be pretty non-descript if not handled correctly and he ably supports Prince Charming, played by Jorden Bird. As is the case with most productions of Cinderella, the Prince Charming character can be a little wet and one can start wondering whether Cinders might have a whole lot more fun with buttons (but I guess that might ruin the plot somewhat..). Talking of Buttons, it does have to be said that Jon Clegg handles what is an essential component of this panto with panache and great charm - in fact, if Cinders doesn't want him, I wouldn't say no... Baron Hardup, another slightly weaker character, is played by Nicholas Evans, who, despite never having a chance in the shadow of the Wicked Stepmother (his wife), still puts in a pleasantly bumbling turn which gets the crowd enough on-side to tie up loose ends at the end of the show with regards to dealing with his out-of-control spouse and step-daughters.

The unsung heroes of this production are the chorus of six, Justin St Cyr, Timmy Matley, Jon Reynolds, Sian Louise Johnson, Natalie Davis and Natalie Brazier who work very hard throughout the show and put in a brave effort with their version of 'Vogue' at the start of Act Two.

And on to the Principals. Laura Hamilton who plays Cinderella was born to play the role. Blond and gorgeous, she has surprisingly powerful vocal talents and a strong enough presence to prevent her from being lost amongst so many strong comedy performances around her. Kim and Aggie do put in an appealing performance, although it's clear that treading the boards hasn't been a primary feature of their careers and at times it perhaps thanks to some generous colleagues they do end up in the right place at the right time. However, this isn't Chekhov, so we shan't judge them too sternly. It's always part of the appeal of modern day panto that you get to see household names up on stage that don't mind taking the rise out of themselves.

The star of the show has to be, surprise - surprise, Dave Lynn, who manages a solid performance as the Wicked Stepmother, a role usually performed by a female actor and in this case swapped around for Kim and Aggie who's Ugly Sister roles are usually played by men. There again, the Prince and Dandini can also be played by women, so let's not get too complicated in the gender-bending antics of panto. Dave is deliciously wicked but has enough magnetism to confuse the audience - they don't know whether to boo or applaud him!

This production is truly magical - from the beautiful surroundings of one of the country's most historic theatres to the fun-loving cast and the careful nurturing of the production team. The costumes and sets are beautifully designed and most certainly have the wow-factor and THAT scene is handled beautifully. 

We really do recommend you bring out the child in you, or else take along someone else's child (do ask first) and pop along to see Cinderella this Christmas - it's on until 6th January. For booking and performance details, click here.