It's the greatest fairy tale of them all.

And after 18 difficult months, Cinderella at The Core Theatre in Solihull really does pack a punch.

Doomed to drudgery by her wicked stepmother and spiteful stepsisters, Ella's is a story told a thousand times before.

But this year's pantomime by The Core Theatre and Little Wolf Entertainment is a triumph.

Promising fabulous frocks and side-splitting slapstick, the hilarious show firmly delivers on both fronts while feeling fresh and original.

Its loveable and not so loveable characters shine, the set design is gorgeous and the costumes are incredible.

The high energy performance starts quite literally with a bang and continues for two more fun-filled hours.

It features not one but TWO utterly outrageous dames who the audience adore and cower from in equal measure.

And shortly after the show began guests were left truly frightened as an audience cam was wheeled out.

Poor Paul, an unsuspecting good sport, became the target of the jokes - and was warned not to get too comfortable.

The comedy ranged from good old fashioned puns - one sister came out as a post box ready to receive a royal male - to making light of Omicron and our newfound obsession with hand sanitiser.

Boris Johnson became the butt of the joke too as the dames took a cheeky "cheese and wine" swipe at our party-loving PM.

The audience also enjoyed culture and travel as we were taken through the world's luxury hubs - from Paris and Milan to Olton and Knowle.

The most delicious moment of the show came as the fantastic Buttons, alongside the dames, ran through dozens of chocolate-related puns.

Each performer gave it their all from the grown-ups taking centre stage to the junior ensemble dancing in the background.

Georgia Whittle's breath taking voice made her perfect as Ella and Charlie Clay as the devious Dandini was another absolute stand out.

The most wonderful moment came as Ella's gorgeous carriage came together in a very clever way before taking off for the ball.

With its brilliant soundtrack, hilarious jokes and breath-taking performances, Cinderella at The Core Theatre is a Christmas triumph with lots of surprises and fun for all the family.

Bosses have pulled out all the stops and Cinderella's happy ending is just what we need in times like these.

My only disappointment is that King Keith of Kings Heath wasn't King Keith of Dickens Heath.

Cinderella runs at The Core until January 3, however many shows are already sold out. Check availability here.