Review: A lorra lorra laughs at Aylesbury Panto (From Bucks Free Press)

Cilla Black stars in Cinderella at Aylesbury Waterside

1:30pm Friday 17th December 2010 in Freetime By Victoria MacFarlaine

It's no Surprise Surprise that this panto is a hit.For those who fancy a festive night of family fun you can't go far wrong with having a lorra lorra laughs with Cilla Black and the Cinderella crew.

This panto combines a truly magical mix of entertainment with some downright belly-laughs as Ms Black steals the show in this excellent production.

The former Surprise Surprise star, cast as the Fairy Godmother, works effortlessly alongside Gary Lucy as Prince Charming and comedian Andy Collins, who plays the adorable Buttons.

Oh, and don't forget a brilliant pair of ugly sisters!

But what makes this pantomime stand out from the rest is the sheer energy it has.

Aside from the plotline synonymous with the traditional fairytale that we all know and love, it has wonderful moments of Cilla re-creating her Blind Date moments - and there is a hilarious version of the 12 days of Christmas with Buttons that had the audience singing in the aisles.

Indeed the very fact this pantomime uses known pop songs to punctuate the scenes brought a different vibe to make it a livelier, modern take on a classic storyline.

This show effortlessly managed to appeal to the older guests with a plethora of double entrendres - as well as to the many children in the crowd.

The eight-year-old with me was literally sat on the edge of her seat enthralled at the dancing, scenery and delightful characters - not forgetting the real Shetland ponies that pulled Cinders to the ball!

If you only organise one special outing this Christmas, make it a date with Cinderella.

Cinderella is at the Aylesbury Waterside until December 30. Tickets are £24 to £29. (£2 concessions). Visit www.ambassadortickets.com