I never thought I'd see One Foot in the Grave's Richard Wilson dressed up in knee britches, windmilling his arms and singing the theme tune to Ghostbusters. But that's Christmas for you.
Wilson joins Sir Ian McKellen and Simon Callow in this year's trend for so-called "posh panto", bringing his lugubrious delivery to Baron Hardup, father of Cinders. He tackles the part in a manner best described as energy-saving, although an ad-lib bonding session with some junior audience members makes him concentrate.
Despite Wilson's star billing, the Baron is hardly the point of this soft-focus take on the slushiest of stories. We gather from the design - pink and sparkly - and costumes - bows and frills - that mayhem will be limited and love actually will be all around.
At times it's like watching a Richard Curtis film, as heartbroken Buttons (Peter Duncan) sees his treasured Cinders (Naomi Wilkinson) fall for John Barrowman's most charming Prince, exiting to a mournful soundtrack of Send in the Clowns. But before emotion intervenes, Duncan, who also directs with good-natured style, bounds around as if he has been waiting for his panto moment all year.
There is fine support from bitchy ugly sisters Britney (Dave Lynn) and Beyoncé (Stevie Marc), but onstage and off the real winners are little girls of all ages who dream of being princesses.
Until 15 January. Information: 0870 060 6646.
Cinderella
