“Will the ballet shoe fit?” was the question on Friday, as The Russian State Ballet of Siberia returned, for their second night at the Ipswich Regent.

The company’s rendition of the classic fairytale Cinderella, cleverly choreographed by Sergei Bobrov, was a magical and comical feat, with Prokofiev’s celebrated music beautifully played by the 30-piece orchestra.

The opening act found principle dancer Anna Fedosova, in the drab grey costume of the oppressed servant girl, forced to dust and sweep around her half-witted relatives. The step-sisters and domineering stepmother, played in travesti by Georgiy Bolsunovskiy, provided some humorous relief, wrinkling their noses in time with the horns and issuing chuckles from the audience.

Anticipation heightened for the big reveal of the ball gown, and once the poised Elena Svinko revealed herself as the Fairy Godmother, things began to get sparkly. Lilac pixies, deep red roses, and a bright orange pumpkin whirled and twirled in preparation for the main event, while some ominous-looking Time Heralds stomped out the perils of going past midnight.

Dmitry Diachkov jetéd across the stage as the prince, and the dynamic between him and Fedosova worked very well – one lift merited a coo from a possibly young aspiring ballerina in the audience.

As always, the Russian State Ballet’s performance on Friday was a treat for all ages. Long may their visits to Ipswich continue.