My First Cinderella, Manchester Opera House, May 18

All little girls grow up wanting to be a ballerina - although one of my colleagues says she would rather have played stand-off for St Helens.

The problem for very young children though is that ballet is pretty inaccessible.

It's long, slow, complicated, there is no dialogue and - worst of all - you have to sit quietly while you watch it.

The English National Ballet and English National Ballet School is trying to ease the transition for their future audience with their 'My First' performances. The latest being children's favourite Cinderella at the Manchester Opera House.

With one of the characters acting as narrator, suddenly there is dialogue and explanation of the more complicated elements of the story.

There is also an added touch of comedy to turn the show into a hybrid of high art and pantomime. We have the grace, athleticism and poise of top quality ballet and slapstick silliness and audience participation of panto season.

The performances are excellent and it is pitched at the perfect level for younger children who may struggle with staying still and focused for a longer, more complex event.