THE panto season started early – or concluded late if you wish to take an obtuse view – with an Easter presentation of Cinderella at Thurrock's Thameside Theatre.

The show is on for two nights, promoted by Brentwood-based Sophisticated Entertainment, whose founder Sophia-Marie Horney not only write the show, she directs its and stars as Buttons.

A small cast of adult performers including Thameside favourites Luke Coldham and Josh Handley, take the lead roles, supported by a team of youngsters who bounced, danced and sang the evening away,

The story, of course, is a familiar one but this production is pared right down to the basics, a stage, a screen to project a background on and its performers to the for.

Luke and Josh, now an established and formidable partnership as the Ugly Sisters led the laughter and kept a delighted audience fully engaged.

Cinderella was portrayed with aplomb by Mia Higgins, who has a delightful voice and lovely persona - no wonder Prince Charming (Terry Boast) falls for her!

The ugly sisters' mum Dame Devina of Essex was ferocious northerner Jade Hind and I'm sure she won't mind me saying she was a nasty piece of work - all in the best possible taste.

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And stitching the magic together is Cinders' fairy godmother Charlotte Hayes.

A word of praise too to the choreographer and assistant, Layla Stock and Chesca Dunham and also to the talented tech team Alfie Joseph, Kane Crocker, Shaun Crisp 

To be honest, there were moments in the show when I winced, sometimes too loud and sometimes it was clear the adults were almost trying too hard - to force the laughs and hit notes that at times were beyond them, but that's being picky. This was everyone having fun and entertaining us in a live manner - I'll take that any day rather than some of the sterile garbage served up on TV!

And there was no doubt the audience were thoroughly entertained which is exactly the point.

And for the following list of youngsters it was an experience they will never forget.

Well done indeed to Selene Shorter, Destiny Henson, Nancy Lewis, Isabelle Henry, Zoe Young, Freya Mansbridge, Betsy Stanford, Layla Shorter, Hollie Winterflood, Tillie FellowsMegan Noble, Taliyah ColeJamie Kenly, Rumer Nnamundi, Beau Borland, Paije Hammond, Amelia Fitzgerald and Chloe Railton.

There will be more panto-style fun at the Thameside next month when Goldilocks and The Three Bears show comes to town.