NEVER mind poor Cinders almost missing the Ball, half of last night's audience were in a race against time after battling through Manchester's traffic-choked city centre.

A combination of pre-Christmas shopping and Miss Saigon at the Palace left ballet lovers running into the Opera House with just seconds to spare.

It's a safe bet they were glad they rushed though.

This Michael Corder production of composer Serge Prokofiev's whimsical ballet -- about as ideal a choice as you could make in the run-up to Christmas -- is a visual delight. The costumes are amazing, a mix of sumptuous and sexy, and the set design simple but highly effective.

The story is as familiar as Snow White to anyone over the age of four, and herein lies its main problem. There simply isn't enough substance to stretch to a three act, two hour 40 minute show.

Having said that, the cast was superb, in particular Monica Perego as Cinders, the put-upon scullery maid, bullied by her stepmother and nasty stepsisters. I say nasty rather than ugly, because in this production the girls are beautiful to look at -- but rotten on the inside.

It does make sense; the panto method (and some other versions of this ballet too) of chaps dressed as women just wouldn't work as well.

The sisters, played by Elisa Celis and Maria Ribo Pares, all but steal the show, prancing and preening in a vain attempt to win the affections of the Prince (Vladislav Bubnov).

The music is pleasant rather than wonderful, but last night's audience appeared to thoroughly enjoy our heroine's adventure. And if everyone managed to make it to their seat in time, it wasn't just Cinders who left the auditorium living happily ever after.

Ian Savage