The Hawth, Crawley – Cinderella

Until Sunday, January 3, 01293 553636, www.hawth.co.uk

Reviewed by Lisa Boardman

Camp comedian Julian Clary steals the limelight in The Hawth's pantomime, Cinderella, with his innuendo-laden, sparkling performance.

With gags almost as outrageous as his outfits, the entertainer had the Crawley audience eating out of the palm of his bejewelled hand on the opening night.

The cast and backstage crew really bring the magic of the story to life with a glittering set and well-choreographed dances and musical numbers.

Stand out moments from the show include a waltz with Dandini (Clary) and a fair maiden – a throw back to his Strictly Come Dancing days – and a cameo from two pure white Shetland ponies which lead Cinderella's carriage to the ball.

Joe Tracini's Buttons has energy in abundance and captivates the true spirit of pantomime. Tracini's slap-stick performance is reminiscent of a young Lee Evans as he bounds around the stage declaring his love for Cinders.

Meanwhile Stephen Carlile and Steven Kynman ham it up as all good Ugly Sisters should and have the crowd booing vehemently at every scene.

Dandini, as Prince Charming's aide, never fails to slip in an innuendo whenever possible and even chastised this performance's audience for not picking up on them quick enough.

"Have you never been to a pantomime before?" he asked the Crawley crowd. "There's a joke in every line if you look for it."

His mocking seemed to do the trick as the adults in the audience started laughing more than the kids in some cases at Clary's double entendres.

A special mention must go to the stunning Cinderella (Vicky Longley), whose effortless portrayal of the fairytale beauty seems to come naturally.