WORLD class dancing and staggeringly beautiful costumes and set combine to bring a classic fairytale to life in a way few could have imagined.

English National Ballet's Cinderella is truly a feast for the senses - an enchanting kingdom which whisks the audience away on a cloud.

Of course it has all the traditional elements - a wicked stepmother, evil step-sisters, a handsome prince and an ill-treated and beautiful young woman who triumphs at the end of the day.

But this production, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, puts a new spin on the traditional tale, bringing it up to date and into the spotlight.

There are more than 40 graceful dancers - led this week by the supremely talented Emma Hawes in the role of Cinderella - dancing to Prokofiev's score, beautifully performed by the English National Ballet Philharmonic.

The audience was almost hypnotised by hundreds of intricate, floating costumes, a growing tree and forest creatures adorning the stage at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre.

This sensitive production also has elements of humour, theatrical tricks and lively choreography which keeps the audience spellbound throughout.

And it's a performance certain to appeal to all ages.

English National Ballet is in its 70th year and to celebrate it has given away 70 tickets to staff and volunteers from charities and organisations in Southampton.

It is also giving a Golden Ticket for a special English National Ballet experience or piece of merchandise to one audience member per performance at the Mayflower.

It's not often that ballet of this quality is available on the doorstep and it's only here until Saturday night. Don't miss it.