Coalville's Century Theatre staged its annual pantomime just before Christmas - and it was a funny, song-filled and slick performance of Cinderella.

The classic tale of Cinders meeting Prince Charming and finding the shoe fits was told in full.

But there was plenty else to enjoy about this panto from the 409 productions - narrated throughout by the Fairy Godmother.

Buttons kept the audience enterained

If you didn't catch it, you missed out. But the good news is that they'll be back next year. More of that later.

The Century show moved along so fast that you knew there'd be a song and one of Buttons' jokes coming soon.

Cinderella found her Prince Charming

Audience participation is everything in panto - and there was plenty here.

The kids joined in with the 'behind yous' when the forest 'ghost' made an appearance.

And well done to the 'Section C' chap on the front row who was constantly being asked how much he loved Buttons. And yes, he took it all in the good spirit it was meant.

The ugly sisters had a wide variety of costumes

Panto is for the children at Christmas of course. But there were enough 'adult' jokes to keep the grown-ups (including me) laughing out loud. Presumably, they got a longer airing at the Over-18s version held during the week-long stay at the Century.

The standard of acting, comedy timing and singing was impressive - even a microphone malfunction became part of the show.

Buttons' radio-cassette took a starring role at one point, with song lyrics joining in the conversation - and tunes from the 80s, such as I'm Still Standing, right through to the modern-day Made You Look, meant everyone could sing along.

But some of the best scenes went to the horrible 'ugly' sisters whose cruelty to Cinderella knew no bounds.

The pair's varying garish costumes were entertaining in themselves.

Cinders' story had a happy ending

But of course, their fiendish plans did not work and Cinderella and the Prince finally found each other.

The Century was sold out for the festive production and there are plans for Aladdin to come to Coalville next Christmas.