The Olympia Theatre

SOLD OUT before it even opened, the most talked-about pantomime of the season – with pop stars Jedward – gave its loyal audience everything they expected and more at the first of 34 performances.

Ciara Armstrong and Stuart O’Connor of Spotlight Productions have worked hard at developing young talent and this year, it has paid off.

Right from the opening all- singing all-dancing scenes, the show flows well with the traditional story of Cinderella (played by the lovely Jessica Cervi), her ugly sisters (Alan Kavanagh and David Doyle) and stepmother (Sally O’Leary) lending itself to the extra-special addition of pop sensations Jedward.

Although they completely stole the show when they sang Ghostbusters, Under Pressureand other hits, Jedward also blended in amazingly well as Fairy Godmother's (Linda Martin) not- so-little helpers.

Arriving on stage in a gigantic silver slipper and later appearing in a pram, Jedward danced and pranced about the stage like they had been made for pantomime.

The current political and economic turmoil provided scriptwriter Fiona Looney with plenty of good material as did X Factorand if King Cowen couldn't solve our problems, then maybe King Louis could.

Fair Cityactor Ryan Andrews brought individual charm to the role of the prince and Craig Connolly was brilliant as Buttons.

Panto regulars Becky and the Kool Pops were joined this year by the eight hip-hop dancers who won RTÉ’s Super Crew series.

Almost like New York street dancers, they added a fantastic gritty dimension to the show.

Commentary from the under- stage Muppet-like characters, 98 Toll Trolls, kept us amused between the scenes.

Well done to director Christine Scarry and musical director David Hayes – and, eh, Jedward – for bringing the tradition of singing, dancing and romance right back into the heart of traditional pantomime in Dublin.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s Jedward and the Beanstalk.

Runs until January 9th at the Olympia (sold out)