If you love a good old-fashioned panto festooned with wholesome family fun, you’ll love Cinderella at Camberley Theatre. Every year the team turns out a brilliant show packed with high-energy dancing, high-octane singing and plenty of gags.

There’s less of the smut and more of the farcical fun – and this year they’ve nailed it again. It’s witty, entertaining and good-natured in all the right ways. This is the perfect show for families.

We’ve all got a soft spot for Cinderella and her happily-ever-after story haven’t we? But we love it even more when a classic tale is given a fun twist – and writer Luke Coldham has taken the sugary Cinderella and turned it on its bejewelled head.

There’s no mooning around the enchanted forest for this young heroine – she’s made of stronger stuff. But not in an in-your-face feminist sort of way. This Cinders (played beautifully by Rebecca Harris) has a subtle self-confidence. She’s sweet, but self-assured – and she’s holding her own.

Camberley panto extraordinaire Suzi Budd is directing (seven years and counting), promising a unique show that would excite and entertain. And, yep, she delivers!

Suzi also steps into the role of Mona Hardup alongside the show’s choreographer Thomas Andrew Smith as Lisa Hardup (geddit? Mona and Lisa!). They’re the Cinderella’s step-sisters – a madcap duo that bring a load of spark and bounce to the stage.

Matt Ian Kelly – another who’s becoming a Camberley regular – returns for his third year (or is it a fourth?) to don the dress as the panto dame Baroness Hardup, Cinder’s Wicked Stepmother. He’s superb – theatrical, quick-witted and super funny playing the evil baddie to the hilt

Buttons – played by the lovable Jack Anthony Smart – is there in all his glory, reeling off the one-liners and keeping us all thoroughly entertained. The sweet pink-haired Fairy Godmother (Emma Hough) is also a delight. And, of course, we can’t forget the dance-loving Prince Charming, played by Cal Plant, who of course gets the girl, but also – importantly – also gets to bust some brilliant dance moves at the wedding!

My panto partners were six-year-old Summer and Ruby, 9 – and it’s wonderful to see the show through their eyes. It was Summer’s first ever panto and I can’t think of a better show for a first-timer. She was wide-eyed and mesmerised (especially by the dames) and, along with her sister sang along with gusto.

As well as the Dames, the classic panto antics were out in force including regular “oh, no he isn’t” lines, a skit with water shooters, an incredibly funny tongue twister routine and a fabulously energetic take on the 12 Days of Christmas sketch where dance moves take centre stage. There was also a hilarious skit that name checks a bunch of Surrey towns.

Of course, there are some belters – the show starts with a local version of the Bee Gees’ song, ‘Tragedy’, newly entitled ‘Camberley’. An adapted version of Meghan Trainor’s ‘Mother’ is also given an outing and Baroness Hardup’s medley of Madonna songs is also a highlight.

It’s an energetic show – and a huge shoutout must go to the talented ensemble who danced up a storm, and also the musical director Debbi Clarke who didn’t miss a single beat.

The show’s magical props – hello giant glitterball – sets and costumes worked together perfectly together to create a fresh new take on a story as old as time. Your kids will love it, promise.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Families and kids – there’s a happy, feel-good vibe and you can’t help but love it.

Not for: Fans of adult humour should probably go elsewhere.

Cinderella is at Camberley Theatre until Sun 31 Dec. Tickets are £28, Under 16 £26, Family of four £100 Book here.