TRADITION and quality have been the hallmarks of the Tyne Theatre pantomime over the last few years. And this year's production of Cinderella - the queen of all panto scripts - shows a company at the peak of its festive pulling power.

Brendan Healy, its creator, has been making a bold boast on TV adverts that Cinderella is "the funniest panto in town" - and he cannot be far wrong.

Playing the perennial little-boy-lost Buttons himself and backed by fiercely outrageous panto dames, Maxi and Mitch, along with stalwart of the Tyne's acting arena, Kevin O'Keefe, this show really is a fine blend of pace and comic timing.

Adding to the family fun are Stephanie Constable, who is cute and believable as Cinders and her transformed self, Princess Aurora; Geri Feeney and Vicky Hawkins, who make a strong pair as Prince Charming and Dandini, and Faye Maughan, who is a beautiful Fairy Godmother.

And then there are the Tyne Theatre Stage School Babes, who bring the woodland scene to life, the light spectacular to take Cinderella to the ball, glittering costumes throughout and the company's own, hilarious rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas, with its weird assortment of props. Such a traditional show also fits nicely into its historic and ornate Tyne Theatre home, where the acoustics are brilliant - you can hear every whisper.

* Runs until January 8. Box office: 0870 145 1200.

Published: 16/12/2004