INTO its third night, this year’s Riverfront / Hiss & Boo panto, Cinderella has all the sharpness, fast and furious fun a theatre audience would expect from a seasoned family production.

The fairy-tale might be familiar but the production itself is contemporary combining music, dance, colour and essential panto magic including a magnificent horse & chariot to take Cinders to the ball.

The ensemble cast lead by Joshua Glavin, Jodie Wilson, Stevie Mahoney and Pierce Meehan get the show underway with strong choreography while Philippa Hogg brings a magical and articulate presence to the stage as Gwenda The Guardian Angel.

Elin Llwyd returns to the Riverfront with an endearing portrayal of Cinderella and delivering a fabulous vocal performance of Adele’s Rollin In the Deep alongside Philippa Hogg. Also returning is established panto favourite Richard Elis, delivering jokes and raising smiles (particularly with a fun rendition of Nellie The Elephant) with appeal to young and old alike.

Caldicot born actor Lloyd Green is Prince Charming, gelling brilliantly as a romantic lead for Elin Llwyd’s Cinders, while showing an ability to deliver fast comic dialogue exchanges with Teddy Moynihan’s Dandini.

The comedy continues with some genuine booing and hissing generated by the appearance of polka dot perils, the ugly sisters played by Nic Gibney and Liam Tobin and their wicked stepmother Countess Grimallova, Julia Nagle.

Cinderella is dedicated to the memory of producer Ian Liston who died at the beginning of October. It’s a strong testament to Ian that this show will be enjoyed by so many over the festive season and that the memories for many youngsters who will attend will last a lifetime. Cinderella continues at Newport Riverfront until January 2.