Cinderella
The Albert Halls, Bolton

AS a fully paid-up member of the grumpy dad association, the annual pantomime trip is always a bit like going to the gym – you dread it beforehand but then feel better for the experience.

This year’s offering at the Albert Halls is Cinderella, the well-worn tale of pumpkins, fairy godmothers and ill-fitting footwear.

To say I had reservations would be putting it mildly but despite taking my seat armed with a bag of Minstrels and with the intention of frowning my way through 90 minutes, it didn’t take me long to join in the fun.

For starters, I defy any parent not to smile when their eight-year-old son is crying with laughter at the sight of Buttons (Stu Francis) blowing a raspberry.

You probably had to be there.

And my five-year-old, not an easy audience to entertain I promise, had shouted himself hoarse by the end, although in the famous “behind you” shtick, he tapped me on the shoulder and said: “Dad, why don’t they just turn round?”

Bolton’s own Francis is still crushing grapes. In an unscripted moment it turns out he’s also collecting his bus pass. But I take my hat off to anyone who can shoehorn references to pastie barms, Curly Wurlys and just about every district of Bolton and still have the kids eating out of his hand throughout.

Cinders (Lucia Matisse) and Prince Charming (Aston Dobson) do the musical numbers wonderfully, while Darrock and Howe (as the Ugly Sisters) and The Harper Brothers ( as the Brokers Men) have their moments.

Not every corny joke hits its target but there are a few gems.

“If beauty is skin deep then they’re inside out,” says Buttons of the Ugly Sisters. “They look down their nose at me... They must be from Chorley New Road.”

All the Christmas hits are there, including an excellent segment from Andy Eastwood as Dandini.

Basically, if you are struggling to find festive spirit, get down to the Town Hall with your kids and I promise you’ll feel better for it.

Cinderella runs from November 29 to January 4.

Marc Iles