Sheffield audience charmed by Northern Ballet's clever Cinderella

The fairy tale is set in imperial Russia, allowing set designer Duncan Hayler and director and costume designer David Nixon ( the company’s artistic director) full rein for glamour.

Rachael Gillespie is a delightful young Cinderella, blamed by her harsh, forbidding stepmother (Mariana Rodrigues) when her father dies in an accident at her birthday picnic, and is forced to become a servant .

A deft changeover introduces Abigail Prudames as the adult Cinderella, bringing her wonderful combination of dancing and acting.

Cinderella’s only solace is the winter market where she watches the entertainers – the dancers were taught acrobatics by Sheffield’s Greentop Circus.

Mlinde Kulashe is a joy to watch as the magician who befriends Cinderella and later grants her wish to go the ball.

The crowd scenes work far better and a skating scene is very enjoyable.

Clever costume transformations change Cinderella’s dress for the ball and energetic huskies to pull her coach are magicked out of fur coats.

Joseph Taylor is a born Prince, at first haughty and then desperately in love. The couple's duets are lovely.

The whole cast work very hard with some gorgeous dancing to create a truly enchanting evening.

Cinderella is at the Lyceum until Saturday, September 28 and is also touring nationwide. Details at northernballet.com/cinderella