“It’s a Hammond Family Pantomime” shrills the jingle over the overture of this Cinderella. It all feels very commercial and a cynic would walk out there and then. But that would be a shame as what follows is a sensory treat!

This all singing, all “blinging” production has indulgent costumes, pretty sets and real horses. It’s the stuff that little girls’ dreams are made of.

The performances are mostly strong, featuring some fantastic singing voices – especially of Rebecca Lisewski as Prince Charming, who was only slightly upstaged by his side-kick Dandini, played by the very talented Amelia Whitwood.

Lucinda Kennard makes such a perfect Cinderella one wonders what she could possibly do the rest of the year!

Slightly disappointing are the Ugly Sisters who, in spite of great costumes, lack the rapport to cheer up their humourless script. The celebrity star of the show is Todd Carty, an affable Buttons, and the audience on Monday loved all the references to his recent TV triumphs.

Technically, the backing tracks are too loud for the vocals. The lighting is fun and colourful but some dark scenes would definitely benefit from a follow-spot or two.

With great design and strong performances, this production of Cinderella would be entertaining enough without having to rely on all the popular culture references peppered throughout it.

Unfortunately, the overbearing adverts for next year’s Aladdin which play over the finale serve to wake up one’s inner cynic on the way out.

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