Seasonal Treat

Baron Hardup, the two ugly sisters and the devoted Buttons. Where else can one be but firmly ensconced back in Pantoland and the world of Cinderella in particular. Children will love this seasonal treat at Richmond.

It arrives complete with real Shetland ponies and a liberal dose of humour courtesy of the effervescent and excellent ventriloquist Paul Zerdin as Buttons with his trusty puppet sidekick Sam. The introduction of the latter is a real bonus for this production since he effortlesly steals every scene in which he appears with his slightly risque jokes and world-weary scepticism. He may be just a puppet for the kids but for the adults present he provides a welcome dose of astringency to panto's more marshmallow core.

Nigel Havers has been recruited to play Cinders father, Baron Hardup, and this he does with relish, eschewing his usual acting niche with more than a touch of embarrassment to present a series of truly toe-curling jokes that are often great fun. In a show that replaces the usual innocuous songs with modern pop ballads X Factor competitor Lucy Newton seems well cast, the heroine whose dreams of connubial bliss with dashing Prince Charming (George Wood) are almost thwarted by the truly gruesome twosome Mona and Grizelda, her sartorially-challenged stepsisters. John Barr and Ian Good haven't got great comic timing but their increasingly outlandish outfits- and oversized egos- almost compensate in their fatuous attempt to divert the Prince's attention.

As the wicked stepmother Su Douglas needs far more venom to truly chill, she seemed more peevish than panto wicked but perhaps this goes unnoticed by little ones enchanted by the show's many delights including the sight of Cinderella whisked off to the ball in a carriage and horses. Even without a benevolent Fairy Godmother at hand, adults and children alike will hopefully find much to enjoy at this year's festive fare.