CINDERELLA, BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET

The Lowry, Salford Quays

Until Saturday

YOU can always rely on Birmingham Royal Ballet for exquisite dancing, glorious costumes and dazzling ensemble performances.

And Cinderella did not disappoint, as the touring ballet company brings this classic fairytale to stunning life at The Lowry, Salford Quays.

You cannot help but marvel at the sheer strength, grace and skill of the ballet dancers who seemingly effortlessly glide across the stage in three acts.

The story of Cinderella – a young girl at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her scheming step-sisters – has been told a million times over.

But in this tale, there is real humour in the performance from the ballerinas portraying Skinny and Dumpy – Samara Downs and Laura Purkiss.

Jenna Roberts, as Cinderella, is truly enchanting and dances gloriously with her extremely charming Prince, William Bracewell.

The group performance of the Stars is mesmerising, with the glistening young ballerinas perfectly synchronised.

The stunning costumes sparkle under the lights and when Cinderella and The Prince dance at the ball, they stand out beautifully against the other guest’s dark attire – before the heroine has to flee as the clock strikes midnight.

Throw in some leaping lizards, an ornate carriage and an imposing timepiece and the stage is set for a lovely night’s entertainment.

It was great to see a range of faces in the crowd, it was press night so celebrities often turn out for the show.

Among those enjoying the performance were Coronation Street stars Jimmi Harkishin (Dev Alahan), Jennie McAlpine (Fiz Brown) and Lisa George (Beth Sutherland); model Rhian Sugden and actor Jody Latham, from Shameless and The Fixer.

Cinderella is on until Saturday – grab a ticket before it pirouettes out of town.