I’VE attended the Edinburgh King’s panto for over 40 years and I’ve seen all the panto legends, including Stanley Baxter and Rikki Fulton, however, the King’s must surely be the only Scottish theatre to have retained the same star cast for so many years, writes Times theatre critic Kerry Black.

Aye, the triumphant triumvirate have returned again, in Cinderella, the greatest panto of them all.

With panto star extraordinaire Allan Stewart, literally flying in as as the ever so posh Fairy May; gallus Grant Stott as the hideously evil Baroness Hibernia Hardup, and the ever hilarious Andy Gray as Buttons, the audience are guaranteed a fabulous show. No wonder this is their fastest selling show ever!

With dazzling special effects, including the most jaw droppingly magical Cinderella coach ever, the panto blends technology (in the hilarious video and lip-syncing sequences), with traditional guid, auld fashioned, couthy Scots humour!

Where else but Edinburgh would the bejewelled ball scene be set to “Step We Gaily”?

With Gillian Parkhouse as the perfect fairytale princess and James Darch as her Prince Charming, their beautiful harmonies were put to test in a brilliant comedy routine, involving Buttons, Fairy May and the dyke of doom!

Andrew Keay’s Dandini, deserves special mention, for his impeccable timing in the “If I Were Not Upon The Stage” number with the three leads.

Normally Cinderella’s step-sisters are the dames, but here Still Game favourite Maureen Carr and Clare Gray (Andy’s daughter), played them as a pair of chakkit chancers, aided and abetted by that evil besom Grant Stott!

This is the glitziest, most extravagant panto I’ve ever seen. The well choreographed dancers’ costumes veered from Vegas to Marie Antoinette with a sequinned dash of dancing pumpkins! Well done also to the junior dancers from the Edinburgh Dance Academy.

The King’s always has their own orchestra led by Andy Pickering and it was great to see my old pal Gavin Spowart (whose first ever job was with Kelty Musical!) still in the pit.

The theatre works in conjunction with Qdos Entertainment to ensure Scottish audiences enjoy the funniest, most lavish extravaganzas ever.

This year they have been delighted to welcome Rowan Glen as their official sponsor (and Dairy Godmother). With match funding from Arts & Business Scotland, they are providing a Relaxed Performance for children and adults with additional needs, to spread the magic of panto to people of all ages and abilities.

The true test of any panto is when every audience member, from 4 to 94 is on their feet singing and cheering along. Put some sparkle into your Christmas, go to Cinderella at Edinburgh King’s, on until Sunday 21st January, 2018, phone 0131 529 6000, or go to www.edtheatres.com to book.