IN view of the current cash crisis haunting the venue, there's a certain irony that a large sign saying Hardup Hall decorates the opening set.

The theatre may need a Fairy Godmother long after the final curtain, but Saturday's lively opening night audience warmly welcomed the Gala's first full-blown panto. First night nerves quickly evaporated as Pee Wee Price as Buttons used some of the onlookers' shouts to comic advantage. He also throws in a few regional insults during slanging matches with Cinders' evil stepmother The Baroness (Annie Lee-Jones) which include: "You don't frighten me, I've worked in Darlington" and "I'm sweating like a Geordie in a spelling test". Somehow the storyline coped with guest appearances from Banana In Pyjamas even if the powerfully-voiced Cinderella (Kirsti McDonagh) does end up saying: "Isn't it good to have two friends that are bananas". Unusually, director David Lee opts for a male Prince Charming (Durham University student Luke Gasper) and Dandini (Paul Hartley). But the Ugly Sisters are more traditional, with Aiden Bell and Michael James looking for laughs in a multitude of outrageous outfits. There is a distinct lack of male dancing ability, although the Rita Proctor Teensteppers and the Joanne Banks Dancers are full of enthusiasm. Snowblowers and two tiny white Shetland ponies enliven Cinderella's magic coach as the Gala trots confidently towards Christmas and a fingers-crossed New Year.

* Runs until Sunday, January 4. Box office: 0191-332 4041

Published: 09/12/2003