AS USUAL, of course, the tots almost stole the show in the Rainbow Dance Studios' version of Cinderella at Lytham's Lowther Pavilion, writes Bob Gray.

Almost, but in true panto tradition, oh no they didn't! There was too much talent on view for the tots' natural cheekiness to win the day.

We had a gently convincing Cinders in Kerry Whiteside; a charming Prince in Helen Fielder; a dashing Dandini in Harriet Bingham - and Laura Darkins and Nicola Walmsley vying for honours as Buttons and Poppers.

Who knows, with a bit more dialogue, the honour of show-stealer-in-chief might have gone to the cutest Cupid; word perfect Emma Bardsley.

All of this under the fatherly, indeed masterly eye of the Baron, David Lee, drama teacher for the Lytham St Annes Youth Theatre.

But if I have to name a star of stars (in this case two) in a cast of many which gave every mum and dad, every gran and grandpa, every uncle and aunt a reason to be proud, I'll stick my chin out with little personal risk, methinks ... .

The Ugly Sisters may have had too much youthful prettiness to visually fulfil such roles - but, my goodness, their tongues!

It makes me wince in anticipation to imagine what some unsuspecting future husband may be in for if he oversteps his night out at the local.

Rachel McCormick and Kelda Rogerson were absolutely devastating, with all the brilliant knockabout characteristics of the true panto dame.

Oh, and I had another little favourite in Sarah Challinor as a very forceful Miney.

One for the future, I'd wager.

But then I'd bet on every one of these little troupers to put their best foot forward every time.

Well done all of you!

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.