With tinsel on the trees, twinkling lights in the streets and brussels sprouts ready for the pot there is no mistaking it is Christmas - and with it comes panto season.

Members of Helston Theatre Company have been rehearsing their pantomime since September and the cast say it is shaping up to be one of their best yet.

Cinderella, is directed by Ben Blaber who has recently moved back to his native Cornwall having previously worked in the West End.

He said: “This is truly magical and is perfect for all the family. We have some spectacular effects that are going to wow the audience.”

However he is not giving anything away, adding: “I'm not saying what they are - you'll have to come and see the show.”

The part of Cinderella is played by Alice Massey, with Gary Hunt as her doting Buttons and Adam Ford and Gary Hosler take to the stage as the Ugly Sisters.

For one of the actors at least the audience holds no fear, after he performed on the world stage in front of 22.4 million people.

Alex Morgan, 19, performed as a “Pandemonium Drummer” in the Industrial Revolution sequence of the London Olympics opening ceremony earlier this year.

He had the local community banding together to raise the travel funds necessary for him to represent Helston in the opening performance and work as a marshal at the closing ceremony.

Though the venue may be different, Alex thinks that the Helston Theatre Company can also put on a fantastic performance.

He said: “There was a great community spirit at the Olympics, which is just the same in Cinderella. We are like one big family putting on this show together. The special effects in Cinderella are almost as good as the Olympics.”

The show will run at the Epworth Hall from Wednesday, January 23 to Sunday, January 27. Due to popular demand there will also be a matinee performance on the Sunday, at 2pm.

Tickets are available from Heathercraft Fabric in Coinagehall Street or by calling 01326 568936.