Cinderella, Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, until January 11

It’s panto season again – oh yes it is! – and last Friday saw the fun-filled opening night of Cinderella at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds.

Written by Peter Duncan, this traditional pantomime features all of the favourites: slapstick scenes, familiar songs, audience participation and plenty of opportunities to shout ‘he’s behind you’.

Aimee Barrett is charming as the delicate but suitably feisty Cinderella, who dreams of going to the ball to meet her Prince, played here by Julia Cave who is also the production’s choreographer.

Matthew Russell-Jones is endearing as the love-struck Buttons and his easy banter with the audience kept them fully engaged and enthusiastically vocal throughout the show.

The villains of the piece are, of course, the Ugly Step-Sisters (boo, hiss) – in this case they are the truly grotesque and hideously attired Katy P and Lady G, hilariously acted by James Parkes and Jon de Ville. Out to cause trouble for sweet Cinders, the absurd duo destroy her ticket and ruin her dress before heading off to the ball to win the Prince for themselves.

Fortunately, the magical Fairy Godmother, played with a mischievous twinkle by Sarah-Louise Young, is there to save the day and with a wave of her wand the happy ending is in sight.

Other cast members include the loveable Baron Hardup (Philip Cox), cheeky royal companion Dandini (Danielle Delys) and a talented junior chorus.

A joy throughout, this performance had great singing, dancing, costumes and sets - a festive treat of a panto with a big heart.

For our round up of local pantos, see our two-part guide here and here