Cinderella at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is a delightful crowd pleaser

It's a familiar story - Cinderella is stuck inside and denied the chance of a magical night out.

We've all been there these last two years.

Just as our theatrical heroine shall go to the ball, Bury St Edmunds will finally go to the panto.

After a two year intermission, brought on by the pandemic, the sparkle has returned to Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds with a show for all the family.

Cinderella is a smashingly entertaining crowd pleaser packed with laughs, music and heart.

Becky Sanneh is thoroughly engaging as the put upon leading lady we all root for, while Beth Tuckey is the deliciously wicked stepmother Grizelda Grizzle.

Ugly stepsisters Kylie and Miley Grizzle (Chris Clarkson and Craig Painting) are a chaotic and gaudy delight of pratfalls and innuendo.

They need a man, a prince in fact, but they might settle for an unsuspecting audience member.

A highlight is a makeover scene with the delightful Howie Michaels as Buttons.

It's great to see Chris Clarkson back for his fifth Theatre Royal panto.

With inventive spins on popular tunes, the cast impress with their vocals especially Samuel Knight as Prince Roger and Becky Sanneh.

Felicity Houlbrooke as Miss Van Dini and Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah as the fairy godmother are also great fun.

It is a joy to see the Theatre Royal busy again filled with cheers, laughter and warmth.

Cinderella is an early Christmas treat for all ages and a welcome return of this much needed holiday staple.

You will cheer, boo, dance, sing and applaud.

It was worth the wait.

Bring on Robin Hood next year.

Cinderella runs at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds until January 16.