CABBAGES and kings, disco goblins . . . Elton John and Cher with some input from Phil Collins and Taylor Swift.

Phew, that's a lot to pack in - but the Storyhouse team deliver Samantha O'Rourke's crisp and even script and much more with fabulous flying colours.

The Chester Storyhouse Cinderella has plenty of fun twists and turns.

From the glittery opening when our sparkly Fairy Godnother narrrator (Melinda Orengo) arrives we are taken on a wonderful piece of seasonal escapism.

A cleverly thought out re- telling of the traditional rags-to- riches story is turned superbly on its head by director Hannah Noone.

Dungaree-wearing Cinderella loves living off the land in her cosy shed.

She also loves lemons and we find out why they mean so much to her.

Mali O'Donnell perfectly captures a feisty, focused nature to a likeable Cinderella.

Enter gold-digging stepmother Debbie (Susan Van Den Berg) and her two ambivalent but thoughtful daughters Lena (Sarah Workman) and Lulu (Jessica Jolleys).

The great joy of this ensemble piece is that you do care and for all the characters.

Lewis Griffin as groovy Prince Roger also offers a great balance when it comes to physical slapstick and romance notably in the beautiful dance scenes with Cinderella.

Along the way we have two endearing mice, a doting monarch and a poignant ghost.

We have a grand baLl, a marriage and some very slick costume changes in two and a half enjoyable hours.

All tinsel-coated trappings are here complete with 'look-behind-you' moments and ample audience participation.

This family production ticks all the boxes . . . with baubles on.

Lovely choreography from Paul Isaiah Isles is matched by one of the best musical soundtracks you will see in a Christmas show compiled by Barnaby Southgate.

Twenty great songs.

Abba's Dancing Queen, Elton's Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting and Madonna's Material Girl are just a few of the classics joining, Adele, Blondie and Ed Sheeran classics all delivered by the very versatile and talented ten-strong cast.

It works on every level and never once offers that so easy get-out-card of innuendo.

This is a family panto with warm and engaging messages with lots of witty dialogue.

I left the theatre with a wide smile on my face and I'd happily see it all over again - a true sign of a smashing show.

This is a pure Top of the Pops Panto.

Verdict: Five stars - A Super Stellar Cinderella!

Until January 6, 2024.

Storyhouse.com