FAMILIES have packed Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion this week to give Brian Conley and his fellow panto stars rapturous applause for hilarious performances.

There are jokes a go-go, fabulous costumes and wonderful songs – as well as real life Shetland ponies on stage at the panto.

EastEnders star Brian had kids and grown ups alike laughing till they cried with his cheeky humour in his role as Buttons.

Colleen Turner commented on Facebook:“Was sogoodlast night. We didn’t stop laughing a real feel-good show! Thank you all involved.” Other cast members include Lauren Hall as Cinderella and Matthew Goodgame as Prince Charming.

Jenny Gayner, from Southend, floats onto the stage as the fairy godmother and Matthew Malthouse plays Dandini. Magical moments include when Cinderella appears in a carriage drawn by pure white Shetland ponies.

Lesley McFee commented: “Absolutely fantastic show! loved every minute of it! thank you so much!”

Tracey Cumbers said: “Such a fantastic night, great for both adults and children we all laughed so much.” Audiences relished being in a theatre and the chance to see an iconic show.

Debbie Fage commented: “We saw the show last night and what a night it was, a fantastic panto, we all had so much fun. “Thank you all for your hard work in making last night so special for my family.”

It had been years since Bernie Roy had seen a pantomime and he was impressed. Bernie said: “Not been to a pantomime at professional theatre in probably 50 years, Great show, scenery and costumes, usual story with individual adaption, Brian Conley was good.”

Elana Major recommends the show to those who love the panto slapstick humour: “If you fancy a laugh and a giggle do yourself a favour and book tickets to go and see Cinderella at the Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff !”

Cinderella is on at the Cliffs Pavilion until Sunday, January 2. Visit www.southendtheatres.org.uk for details