IT'S the most talked about pantomime in Ipswich's recent history and it opens tonight. It's been plugged by Bruce Forsyth, mentioned on national television and ticket sales have broken all records.

IT'S the most talked about pantomime in Ipswich's recent history and it opens tonight.

It's been plugged by Bruce Forsyth, mentioned on national television and ticket sales have broken all records.

Today entertainments reporter JAMES MARSTON reviews the preview performance.

A CLASSIC fairytale, Cinderella is one of the great pantomimes and this show is not going to disappoint.

The ugly sisters, lots and lots of audience participation, the gags, the songs, the glittering costumes, a couple of ponies as well as radish the pantomime horse, a charming Prince Charming and, of course, Letitia Dean is the fairy godmother.

“You do believe in magic don't you boys and girls?” asked the be-wanded fairy as she opens the show.

And from there on in this pantomime has all the classic hallmarks we've come to expect from a great family night out.

Set in the village of Stoneybroke-on-the-dole, Cinderella is the downtrodden step sister to the ugliest sisters in Ipswich.

Excitement is mounting as the Royal Ball is announced - even Postman Pat is excited.

Cinderella's father Baron Hardup is skint since he invested in Northern Rock. The outrageous ugly sisters try their utmost to thwart Cinderella's ambitions to go to the ball.

Buttons, played with much energy by Tucker, is on Cinders' side but she's stuck for a frock - that is until her Godmother steps in….this classic story needs no retelling.

There's some great comic moments and though there were a few - just a few teething troubles - the audience lapped up the gags and the spectacle and they loved the surprise appearance of Elvis himself.

Who was born in a stable and had a following of millions?

My Little Pony of course.

I don't want to spoil the night's surprises for you but watch out for Cinderella's magical transformation, listen out for Letitia's dance routine as well as her singing, look out for the stunningly visual ballroom scene and make sure you're prepared to make some noise.

Brash, camp, and sparkling, this is a pantomime that is going to get better and better as the run gets underway.

Full of feelgood factor and Christmas spirit, if you want to see this great British tradition alive and well and give your kids a treat its here in Ipswich until January 6.

n. Tell us your thoughts on the show. Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk