Based on the Grimm's famous fairytale, Richmond Theatre's Cinderella, starring Julian Clary and Postman Pat, was so crammed with double entendres and saucy puns the brothers themselves would have been proud.

Clary, who played Dandini, Prince Charming's right-hand man, made his entrance in trademark style, pulled on by two leather-clad young men in a carriage. Immediately the one-liners started: "I like to get pulled everywhere I go," he quipped.

Clary was fantastic and gave the show the edge which turned it from a tired tale we've all heard before to the best pantomine I've honestly ever seen. His jokes worked on two levels so both parents and kids were always clutching their sides. Postman Pat was mute and served no purpose other than the odd sporadic appearance to deliver things.

Tom Ashton gave an steady performance as the insipid Prince Charming, as did Suzanne David, the equally wimpish Cinderella.

But in keeping with tradition, the true stars of the night were those in roles less central to the story.

Buttons, played by Kev Orkian, gave the kids a laugh with his funny faces and infectious screeching laugh. He reminded of a Lee Evans/Brian Connolly hybrid who kept just on the right side of annoying.

Pop songs that the kids all knew such as S-Club 7's Reach for the Stars and Bob the Builder's hit, Mambo No 5, were sung with gusto.

The only criticism was the way Clary spoke the words rather than singing them. His haughty attitude and dry wit invigorated the traditional script, but in songs it was misplaced.

The theatre provided a stunning backdrop for the show. Costumes and sets were equally impressive, with the ugly sisters trussed up in gaudy pinks and purple and Clary clad in a different coloured outfit complete with matching fan for most scenes.

The panto had all the classic ingredients: custard pies, calls of "he's behind you" and kids invited up to sing but with a refreshingly modern twist.

The panto runs until Thursday, January 20. Tickets cost from £10 to £17. But with sell-out performances every night and box office records being smashed, you would be wise to book early to avoid disappointment.

Caroline Dutton

December 28, 2001 15:01