I?REACHED the conclusion last year that the only way to stop the torrent of 'Liz Davies' jokes during the town's annual pantomime was to write the script myself but discovered on Monday night that, as is so often the case, my plans were thwarted and the poor old Chron still came in for its fair share of bashing...but at least we both came off better than Councillor Sam Dodd so who's complaining.

Hopefully that least partly addresses the elephant on the stage and prevents the Postbag of 'Angry from Avenue Road' and 'Furious from Firs Lane' letters complaining about the lack of an impartial revue.

So, as ever just what can you say about Abergavenny Pantomime Company, which managed to take a perfectly staid reworking of the classic Cinderella story and transform it into a colourful, lively, bright, music packed extravaganza - with a lot more pyrotechnics than I remember writing and certainly a lot more heart and soul...and those costumes!

As ever the principal players pulled out all the stops to delight the audience, with more Dames than you could shake a stick at and some magnificent singing.

Stephen Clark and Ken Jones, who were not really involved in the magnificent singing, took on the traditional Ugly Sister roles and played them with the vim and verve only they can bring to the stage while still managing to make up most of their lines. Able comic support was offered by Andrea Marfell, who made an imperious Baroness and found a willing foil in her familiar stage partner Peter Holder.

As Buttons, Alex Williams held the action together, getting the audience on side from his first appearance while great cameos came from Ken Watkins and Matt Bryant as the reality TV obsessed King and Queen and the talented Zac Williams as a 'Wodka' soaked Russian ballet master.

Su Meates was ever graceful as the grumpier than average fairy godmother while Meg Trinder offered not always such sage advice as the put-upon Dandini.

The central pairing of Molly Brickley Clark as Prince Charming and Chelsea Viveash as Cinderella worked beautifully, with their powerful voices equally matched and delighting the audience.

As always chorus work was good and delivered with the enthusiasm and enjoyment this company produces in spades.

There were some early technical problems on Monday and at times the production was a little rough around the edges, but if you really don't give a monkey's who killed Lucy Beale and happen to be looking for an uncomplicated night of sheer family fun and exuberance - with the odd bit of naughtiness thrown in - don't miss out on this production of Cinderella. You won't regret a minute of it.

Cinderella runs at the Borough Theatre until Saturday. Tickets are available from the box office on 01873 850805.