The most beloved fairytale of them all, Cinderella, is undoubtedly well represented at Christmas through pantomime.

But in the New Year, the enchanting story will get a fresh lease of life, this time in ballet form. The Russian State Ballet of Siberia are bringing their production of Cinderella to the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend and audiences are being promised an evening of magical entertainment. The troupe has established itself as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies and has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and depth.

The classical ballet company is based at the Krasnoyarsk State Opera and Ballet Theatre, in Krasnoyarsk, Russia and was founded in 1978[ by graduates of the choreographic schools of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kiev. Their repertoire over the years has included Coppélia, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet and Giselle

This time they are taking on the world’s favourite rags to riches fairytale where dreams can come true is a magical mix of Prokofiev’s energetic score, lively choreography and colourful costumes. Sergei Prokofiev composed his Cinderella suite between 1940 and 1944. Part way through writing it he broke off to write his opera War and Peace.

He finally finished it, however, and the premiere of Cinderella was conducted by Yuri Fayer on November 21, 1945 at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.

The production will remain true to the world famous story. Whilst her mad/bad stepmother and her ill-mannered daughters prepare for the Royal Ball, graceful Cinderella can only dream of dancing with the dashing Prince. Later that evening, her rags become a glittering gown and she is swept magically to the ball.

From that very moment the Prince is smitten, midnight strikes and one lost crystal slipper later, he must now embark on a journey to find his lost love….

This magical modern classic promises to delight the whole family. The production comes to the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on Sunday February 11 with shows at 2pm and 5.30pm. The Essex stop is part of a national UK tour.Tickets range from £40.50 down to £27.50. Call 01702 351135.