THE festive season has well and truly arrived, with Blackburn's King George's Hall transformed into a magical world filled with colour and laughter.

Over the past few years, Blackburn's Christmas panto has gained a reputation for providing top class family entertainment.

This year's show will only serve to enhance that reputation.

Put on by Stageworks, the company behind Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the standards of lighting, costumes and overall production are as good as you would expect to see in the West End.

Cinderella is a real family event to which parents can take along their children and know that they will enjoy every minute.

A top quality cast throw themselves into the show and, if Saturday's opening night was anything to go by, are determined to enjoy themselves as much as the audience. As for the audience, they cannot help but enjoy themselves. Cinderella is a good, old fashioned panto where participation is encouraged.

You boo the Ugly Sisters, cheer on Buttons and shout "Behind you" in the ghost scene. Michael Courtney as Buttons sets the tempo for the show and has a real way with the audience.

His cheeky, bubbly personality shines through and he is totally at home in the role.

As Cinderella, Janet Walker is every little girl's dream princess, complete with long blonde hair and fine singing voice. Jon Adamson and Alan Mitchell as the Ugly Sisters threaten to steal the show with their antics.

Their outrageous costumes and declared hatred for the audience makes them great figures of fun and a double act to savour. The remainder of the cast -- Darren Hill as the Prince, George Neville as Baron Hardup, Billy Galloghly as Dandini and Lynn Larkin as the Fairy -- are all first rate.

Special mention too for the six-strong team of dancers who add to the spectacle of the show.

On opening night one minor flaw was the occasional sound problem, particularly during some of the songs where the vocals were in danger of being drowned out.

But Cinderella is the ideal family night out. It's a show with a bit of everything.

Cinderella will be at King George's Hall until January 12. Further details on 01254 582582.