If you're looking to get into the Christmas spirit, I recommend approximately two hours and 30 minutes of Newbury Corn Exchange's Cinderella, which will have you Christmas-partying in your seat and of course, warning fairy tale characters when a giant rabbit is sneaking around behind them.
Find out what one of our young volunteers thought of this year's pantomime...
Cinderella is tormented by two wicked stepsisters who, on the hunt for a suitable suitor, change costumes more than Lady Gaga and make our heroine clean up all their messes. There’s a refreshingly not-so-evil stepmother, or godmother as the case may be, who is looking for a way to make things easier for the beautiful but put upon Cinderella.
Meanwhile Prince Charming (who can really hold a note) and Princess Charmless (a particularly charming take on the vulnerably fractious teenage goth phase, if it is a phase...) are learning some tough lessons about party planning for the upcoming royal ball.
I was particularly struck by the exuberance of the dancing and the cast perform with a gleeful and infectious energy. Fun for all the family, but of course, it is the kids who will love it most of all.
With a few refreshing twists on a Classic tale and more glitter and colour than a decked out Christmas tree, Newbury Corn Exchange’s Cinderella is sure to leave you smiling. Poppy, glamorous and just a bit wicked, this is one royal ball you don’t want to miss!
Words by Katie Tattersdill