Cinderella (Dunfermline)

The experienced director, Rita Henderson, has assembled an enthusiastic team of professionals and talented local amateurs for the first panto in the history of the historic Alhambra Theatre. Cinderella is one of the best pantomime tales and in this version by Henderson and Vivien Adam, the story remains central, which sadly isn't always the case these days.

A hard-working cast includes local football hero Jim Leishman, making his Ugly Sister debut, alongside veteran actor, Richard Addsion. In her first professional panto, Kim Shepherd, is an impressive Cinderalla and Shona White, on hiatus from the tour of Chess, makes the most of her moments as The Fairy Godmother.Steven Castelaz as Buttons, works hard at building a rapport with the kids and there is a nice performance from Keith McLeish as the Chamberlain

Inevitably in a show running for just a handful of performances and pulled together at break-neck speed, there were some technical glitches but they did not spoil the enjoyment of an appreciative audience. A live five-piece band, directed by David Higham played a well-chosen selection of pop standards.

The privately run theatre is to be applauded for dipping its toe into pantoland and hopefully, the reaction will encourage future productions.

- by Keith Paterson