While Bonfire Night was being celebrated at firework parties across the county, a packed house at the Apollo was enjoying an equally vivid pyrotechnic display from English National Ballet.

Appropriately, it was the touching story of Cinders that so lit up the night for the city's dance fans. Set to Serge Prokofiev's marvellous music, the gripping action - by turns touching and comic - held us enthralled for more than two hours.

No less, of course, did the artistry and technical skills shown off by the dancers - a multi-national team, despite the 'English' in the company's name.

Fragile, waif-life, Erina Takahashi's portrayal of Cinderella - while perhaps a little cold and passionless - set the magical tone of Michael Corder's award-winning production from her first appearance amid the ashes.

Her flawless technique was well matched to that of Simone Clarke and Sarah McIlroy as her bullying sisters. Their efforts to prove themselves the belles of the ball, in hilarious lessons with the Dancing Master (Shi-Ning Liu), were one of the evening's highlights.

Jan-Erik Wilstr-m's powerful portrait of the Prince and Joanna Maley's serene Fairy Godmother were other delights of this fine production, which can be seen until Saturday.

Review: Chris Gray