He brought us an all-male ensemble in Swan Lake, a sizzling 1950s version of Carmen and a contemporary reworking of Dorian Gray.

Now dance maverick Matthew Bourne has turned his hand to classic fairytale Cinderella, which comes to Bradford next spring.

With a wartime romance at the heart of Matthew’s interpretation of Prokofiev’s haunting score, the production takes a thrilling and evocative journey through London during the Second World War.

A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her sweetheart, a dashing young RAF pilot. The lovestruck pair are together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the Blitz.

First seen in the West End in 1997, this revival has been created to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Blitz and is billed as a tribute and testament to the spirit of London during a time when every second counted and lives were changed forever.

Cinderella runs at the Alhambra from March 8 to 12. For tickets, ring (01274) 432000.