Cinderella
Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith

SET in the contemporary Queendom of Hammersmith, against an urban background of zero-hours contracts, JD Sports gear and stage sets populated by road signs and traffic junctions, this is most certainly a panto with modern sensibilities.

When Cinderella and her stepsisters hear of an invitation to the royal ball, at first they appear most excited by the fact that the Prince’s palace “has wifi in every room” and, when they arrive, they undergo rigorous electronic security checks before entry is allowed.

Similarly, relationships are very much of the here and now in this Tinuke Craig-directed show. Cinderella proves to be a strong woman buttressing a rather uncertain prince (Gabriel Fleary) while, on the sidelines, the roots of a same-sex relationship begin to develop between Buttons (the excellent Jodie Jacobs) and Popsy, a reluctantly obnoxious stepsister (Lauren Samuels).

That might make the production sound rather earnest but not so. There’s a loving respect for the pantomime tradition running throughout and most of the familiar old touchstones are in place.

While some of the physical slapstick is somewhat lame and the transitions between scenes are occasionally creaky, it’s a fast-paced and humorous take on an old tale that’s fully in line with artistic director Rachel O’Riordan’s mission to provide Lyric audiences with reimagined classics.

Timmika Ramsay’s characterisation of Cinderella gains in strength as the show goes on, while the more experienced Rhys Taylor is the star in the dame’s role as fairy godmother and Shobna Gulati is a delightfully self-obsessed, fur-coated stepmother raging at her “snowflake” daughters.

With an eclectic mix of songs that range across hip hop, reggae, pop and even a bit of Sinatra, all is fun and frolics with just the right touch of the sentimental and sweet romance that any panto needs.

Runs until January 5, box office: lyric.co.uk