Review: Cinderella serves up 'proper fairytale magic' at Theatre Royal Windsor

Buckle up for a rollicking panto packed with snap, sparkle and pop. Cinderella has swept into the Theatre Royal Windsor and it’s proper fairytale magic 

The show sparkles into life with Fairy Godmother and ‘glow-up queen’ Hilary O’Neil shimmering onto stage in a fabulous frock (she swears it’s Vinted) and promising a big pantomime adventure.

The production brings plenty of fresh fun here as well as the comfort and joy of classic panto traditions. Windsor favourites Kevin Cruise and Steven Blakeley – who also writes the show – are back as comic lead and the dame, this year playing Buttons and Ugly Sister Lavitia.

There is nothing like a dame, unless it’s two dames, and Jeffrey Harmer joins the fray as ‘Potty’ Potitia, sister to Lav. Cue double trouble and a parade of vast and splendid costumes.

Michael Praed plays Baron Hardup, with a running gag that the star of the 80s TV hit Robin of Sherwood can’t quite remember which show he’s in – despite the lack of Maid Marian and the Merry Men here. 

Meanwhile his daughter Cinderella (Brogan McFarlane) is stuck doing all the chores in Frogmore and dealing with her lazy stepsisters until she meets Prince Charming (Jay Worley), who’s swapped places with Dandini (Robby Khela).

Hilary O’Neil is a standout, channelling Catherine Tate’s Nan (minus the swearing) in a hilarious woodland encounter with Cinderella. Her jaw-dropping one-woman, split-costume parody of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman from Strictly is a double delight

The soundtrack is a riot – from 80s hits (as loved by Buttons) to Pink Pony Club. I didn't expect to hear Talking Heads in the mix, let alone Once in A Lifetime mashed up with Oh, Oh, Oh It’s Magic, but I guess anything goes in pantoland. There’s also a surreal running gag with the Jet 2 holidays ad tune, strange but it somehow works.

Younger audience members lapped up Labubu references, while Buttons talking about years ago ‘was it six, seven?’ caused mass hysteria among the kids.

Sets and costumes are next-level this year, from the snowy village backdrop (complete with Emily’s Bakery - She Kneads the Dough) through to the glittering finale, via a jaw-dropping transformation scene. I can’t give away what happens but I promise that it’s spectacular.

Cinderella will sweep you away. 

Cinderella is showing at Theatre Royal Windsor until Sunday, January 11.