THE Jim Davidson influence was evident throughout the pantomime Cinderella - on stage at the Palace in Manchester until January 23.

Prince Charming - Darren Day - was a definite hit with all the young teens in the audience and there was a tangible affection between the Prince and Cinders, played by Darren's real-life fiance Isla Fisher.

Having enjoyed Jim himself in last year's panto at the Palace, his mix of the traditional with stunning modern effects keeps both young and old alike happy throughout the show.

I have to confess to not being a Mr Blobby fan, his style of throwing himself around the stage is not my kind of entertainment - but clearly it did appeal to lots of other people, and the children adored him.

Ruth Madoc plays a superb futuristic Fairy Godmother and her Welsh twang was used to full effect on the one-liners. The Ugly sisters worked their nastiness well so that by the end of the show all the children around me were giving them a thorough booing and hissing.

The combination of rock music and traditional panto slap-stick worked well and the use of high tech set machinations culminated in a superb rags to dramatic frock scene for Cinders just before the interval.

The show is tremendous entertainment - a Jim Davidson speciality - and the teen-hit Darren Day was an inspired choice as Prince Charming. So often this role is given to an old fashioned style singer which can be a real switch off for the youngsters.

A good all rounder this one.

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