Derry Panto never fails to be filled with festive fun

Every Christmas there is one constant in the festive scene in Derry, other than the iconic decorations and freezing weather, and it's the Millennium Forum's pantomime.

This year, for their 21st annual pantomime, the cast have taken on the tale of Cinderella.

It is a tale as old as time but with modern colloquialisms and local craic, it is quickly a refreshing and comedic twist on the classic story.

I don't have any kids, so bringing along my near 30 year old other half to the show- a show I assumed aimed at children and families- was always a risk.

But, the local cast, full of talent and wit soon had a very dubious Derry man laughing away.

The step sisters, portrayed brilliantly by Keith Lynch and James Lecky, stole the show for us. 

They had us both belly laughing and truly are an epic comedy duo with jokes for the little ones as well as the ones that go clean over their heads and land on us adults reading between the lines.

It was so lovely to watch all the children and adults alike laughing and taking part in the customary, "Oh no you didn't's" and waving light sticks I haven't seen since I was only wee.

Conal Gallen returns this year as Cinderella's sidekick, Buttons, after a 17 year hiatus and he had us in stitches with his quick witted ad libs. 

The incredible voices and talent of Jasmine Gardiner as Cinderella, Dylan Reid as Prince Charming and Karen Hawthorne as the Fairy Godmother are second to none.

There are magical special effects and hearty laughs a plenty. I am happy to admit, this show is for all ages. 

The community spirit of it all and the joy on the little ones faces when Cinderella and Prince Charming come into the audience to say hello would warm even the iciest of hearts this winter.

It is a show for everyone this festive season. Amongst all the doom and gloom of the world, a good laugh is well needed, and what better way than whilst supporting our great local arts.