EVEN seasonal curmudgeons could not fail to be exhilarated by the exuberance and sheer enthusiasm displayed by the multi-talented cast in this reworking of the children’s classic folk tale that brought a standing ovation at the end.

This also incorporated a carefree singing and clapping element as the capacity crowd literally rocked on their feet to director Peter Rowe’s terrific finale. Pantomime is a peculiarly British pleasure and here, once again, Rowe proves that he is a past master at the bawdy, the risqué and the spectacular.

The giant in this version is a most awesome creature with blazing red eyes and a mask of sheer malevolence with a stunning costume, which must have put actor Nick Lashbrook in a lather of sweat as he stomped about on disguised stilts.

The fearsome beast appeared from the bowels of the earth to Queen’s glorious anthem ‘We Will Rock You’ as the cast – musicians all – performed that and a whole host of popular hit songs and tunes that roared around the rafters of the theatre.

Once again, Phylip Harries was on hand to reprise his fabulous dame, this time tagged Dolly Dumplings. It is no surprise he has become a festive favourite for his energetic pace but also a string of adlibs that would leave a stand-up comic gasping.

The essence of good panto is casting and Rowe has turned up trumps with the likes of James Haggie as the lovelorn yet accident- prone Billy who wins the hearts of everyone. Indeed, there wasn’t a weak link, and sadly not enough space here to lavish praise on everyone involved, or the wonderful sets and costumes.