A twist in the fairy tale awaits audiences at this year's rock 'n' roll panto.

Cinderella is given a re-booting, or should that be re-shoeing?

I'll expand on that later. Oh yes, I will.

This is a very well-paced modern day take on the story.

It is directed with panache by James Baker and written by accomplished Liverpool writer Luke Barnes.

A very effective creative team with top class choreography from Karl Newsam.

It's a panto - but not in the traditional sense here presented by the Everyman's ten-strong cast of actors/musicians with their usual irreverent flair.

Over at the Royal Court they say their seasonal offering Dick Whittington is 'deffo not for kids'. 

Well this Cinderella deffo is.

And adults will love it, too with just the right balance of innuendo.

This is a two-and-a-half hour song, dance and laughter experience with a big heart.

From the moment our bearded Fairy Godmother arrives you know the cast mean business.

The theme of love is the backdrop as the Fairy wants to 'match-make' one last time before she hands her Cupid wand to her chosen successor.

Bruce Welch doesn't put a foot wrong as Fairy with his top-notch delivery.

His outfits also deserve a consistent thumbs up.

He is aided by the always-fab Adam Keast as (our) Graham.

Adam is in his 21st panto and deserves a Tony Award for longevity and for being the best ad-libber.

And you will always see a bit of Rik Mayall in his performance - Adam's inspirational comedy hero often appears in his mannerisms.

But Adam is a fine musician and singer in his own right.

The set (resembling a huge pumpkin) allows the band to play on a top-tier as the stage is left for our weird and wacky characters to cause mayhem.

Cinderella's dysfunctional family and legendary Humpty Dumpty keep the action moving including a water pistol rampage.

Two puppet rats also add to the fun.

Making her debut as Ellanora (aka Cinderella) is LIPA student Grace Venus who provides one highlight with her version of the emotive Demi Lovato stunner - Skyscraper.

Feisty Ellanora wants to follow her dreams as does comic book obsessed Prince Charming played by Thomas Fabian Parrish.

And Aminita Francis has the regal wow factor belting out Whitney's Queen of the Night.

One of the key test components of any successful panto is that the cast look as though they, too, are having a ball.

They pass with flying colours.

The songs are well chosen from the audience participation number Love is All Around to a soaring True Colours by Cyndi Lauper.

Cinderella is a vibrant, warm and witty production.

A Rock 'n' Roll panto that offers something for everyone.

There is raucous finale where you can celebrate the twist in the tale by joining in on the Motown classic River Deep Mountain High.

Verdict: 4 Stars FUN-DERELLA!

The production is on until January 20.

Tickets from 0151 709 4776