WHEN the air raid sirens signified the start of Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella at The Mayflower last night, the audience was transported back to 1940 for a night of fairytale charm and dazzling dances, set against a backdrop of war-torn London to Prokofiev’s score.

One of New Adventures’ most loved productions – Bourne’s interpretation of the classic fairy tale has, at its heart, a true war-time romance.

A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella, who is a slave to her stepmother, two stepsisters and three stepbrothers, as her fairy godfather introduces her to her prince - a dashing young RAF pilot who is looking for shelter. They are together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the Blitz.

Cinderella is played beautifully by Ashley Shaw, transforming from the bespectacled Cinders of the first act to the evocative and elegant leading lady of the second. Harry, her prince, is a role played by Andrew Monaghan. He is strong and enchanting as he dances.

But the stage was owned by Liam Mower as the silver-suited Angel, charismatic, beautiful and mesmerising with spectacular spiralling jumps and enchanting movement.

Praise must also be given for Les Brotherston. His sets are simply stunning throughout, from the glittering dance hall of the Cafe de Paris to the finale of Paddington Station – it’s filled with atmospheric designs that seem to move effortlessly from one set to the next.

And, of course, Cinderella does get her happy ending.

In all, Matthew Bourne and New adventures have created more than just a show, with the immersive detail from the sets and costumes to the truly imaginative and thrilling choreography – this really is Bourne at his very best.

Cinderella runs at The Mayflower until March 31.