JON Monie's old stage partner Chris Harris would be utterly proud of his input and performance in this year's Bath Theatre Royal pantomime Cinderella.

The Holt comedian and actor provides the glue that holds this breathtaking production together.

Mr Monie has written a script that breathes new life into this old story and provides much of the topical humour - and some risque jokes that fortunately go over the heads of most children and even some of the adults watching.

This festive production, which runs to January 9, is the show the theatre was forced to cancel last Christmas because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

And boy does it fizz, with former Tracy Beaker TV star Dani Harmer as the Fairy Godmother bringing sparkle to the role, and non-stop action from the beginning to the very end.

The costumes, lighting and sets take your breath away - I don't think I've ever seen a finer Christmas production- and almost outshine the very talented cast in this year's show.

Mr Monie is performing his 19th panto season at the Theatre Royal, having clocked up well over 1,000 performances during that time, but he never steals the limelight from his fellow performers.

Elly Jay as Cinderella and Josh Rose as Prince Charming provide the youth and on-stage chemistry and both have strong singing voices.

Chris Fearn as Dandini and Michael Chance show that stage veterans can turn in classy performances, and provide a contrast to the menacing coarseness of the two Ugly Sisters, played by pantomime dames Duncan Burt as Melody Hard-Up and Nic Gibney as Harmony Hard-Up.

Their every scene featured a change of quick costume changes and they certainly put in some highly entertaining performances.

One scene with Jon Monie and Prince Charming falling off a wall while competing to woo Cinderella had me screaming with laughter.

For tickets, go to www.theatreroyal.org.uk

John Baker