Classic Cinderella tale hits right note for youngsters

Back for an umpteenth rerun, choreographer David Allan's version of Cinderella continues to be guaranteed box office gold for Hong Kong Ballet.

The Saturday matinee was packed to the rafters with young children who clearly revelled in the broad comedy, Peter Cazalet's pretty costumes and the dancers dressed up as animals.

Other spectators - such as jaded ballet reviewers - may wish that the company would acquire a Cinderella with stronger choreography, subtler humour and fewer longueurs, but there is no doubt about its success with the audience of under-10s to whom it is squarely aimed.