"The Wizard Of Oz" by Tom Whalley.

Ravenshead Theatre Group

Ravenshead Village Hall.

Who has not seen the iconic 1939 film starring Judy Garland? I never tire of watching this magical story, whether it be on stage or on TV. And here Ravenshead present the pantomime version of the story, written by Tom Whalley, who also wrote last year's "Peter Pan" for the group.

Dorothy Gale lives on a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and her little dog, Toto. It tells the story of how a tornado sweeps her, her home and Toto to a magical land called Oz, how she manages to eradicate the Munchkins from the Wicked Witch of The East by flattening her when the house lands on her.

On the way to meeting the Wizard, so she can get back home to Kansas she meets, and helps The Tinman to get a heart, Scarecrow to get a brain and The Cowardly Lion to get some courage and the quartet have a few scary adventures on their way.

I absolutely love a real cheesy production and this show contains more cheese than any deli cheese counter. The jokes may be a selection of mainly older, well worn gags but they still bring a smile to this cheese lover's face. the newer jokes, including the sprinkling of topical and political ones also bring a smile to mine, and by the sounds of the groans from the packed audience, to their faces as well. You could say that the script was brie-lliant, especially some of the slightly risqué jokes for the more mature audience member.

Dorothy is played by Philippa Adamson and I will commend her accent which sounded such a lot like Judy Garland's in the original film. No stranger to pantomime, Philippa embraces the character and the comedy side of Dorothy.

Ann-Marie Butler is Aunt ‘Em/Glinda. In complete contrast to Dorothy's Kansas accent, Glinda was given a broad Derbyshire accent, and I loved that the audience also loved that local touch as much as I because I could hear them giggling and repeating words like "yersen" for "yourself". Wouldn't have thought that the author would have put that in, so the Directors deserve a pat on the back for localising some of the characters.

Uncle Henry/The Wizard of Oz is played by Duncan Dearman. Duncan shows that he has many strings to his theatrical bow because I last saw him playing Utterson in October's production of "Jekyll & Hyde", these roles are pure comedy, especially Uncle Henry in the singalong part of the show, but his Wizard was also very comical, and I loved the costume for the Wizard himself.

Hickory/The Scarecrow is played by Mandy Buckley, who also choreographed the show. Mandy has played one of my all time favourite theatre characters in Madam Acarti in "Blithe Spirit", and playing the Scarecrow plays up to Mandy's comedy stylings, and she gets her fair share of the jokes, especially the slightly ruder ones - I love the Virgin Megastore joke which I think got one of the biggest laughs from Friday night's audience.

Dickory/The Tin Man is played by Rob Hurst, who I know had been suffering with a sore throat, but that didn't stop him delivering his usual brilliant performance; we even got to hear him singing, which is a real rarity.

Doc/The Cowardly Lion is played by John Birch. Another great costume and make up, and he also got the lion's share of the cheesy jokes, especially where big cats were concerned. He definitely left the audience feline good on Friday night.

Helen Brailsford is Ms Karen Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West. Both characters are wonderfully wicked but it's the ecstatically evil Witch who really got the audience going, extracting "boos" from them the moment that she stepped on stage. One lovely thing about the script for this pantomime is how equally the funny lines have been allocated to the characters and the Wicked Witch of the West gets some lovely laughs also.

Adam Hague plays Winkie the Monkey, the Wicked Witch's sidekick. Adam also gets a brilliant costume to wear, and some comic lines that brought reactions from the younger members of the audience. A lovely playful performance from an actor who has a great straight acting playing face, even when delivering a rib tickler of a joke.

The ensemble consist of members of the Ravenshead Youth Theatre Group who are John Beadsmoore, Destiny Dangerfield, Martha Dangerfield, Evie Dearman, Emily Evans, Daisy King, Ethan Lee, Abbey Morgan, Polly Napthine, Caitlin O'Connell, Freya O'Connell, Scarlet Sarkar, Mia Thompson and Emilia Thorley, all of which did a brilliant job.

Directed by Eddie Gray and Daniel Andrews, who also pops up on stage in some other form, as well as both designing the set, are also credited for the costumes with Lin Baggarley credited as Costume Projects, all of which looked absolutely amazing. The casting and pace of the show is perfection with the end of act one and the finale coming round so quickly I had to check my watch. A sign that shows just how invested, and how much I was enjoying this show. The Set Projects are created by Ken Cumberpatch.

Smoothly stage managed by Sue Bishton and her stage crew, Helen Berry and Hazel O'Connell.

The man who had the easiest job of the evening was James Disney in his role as the prompt. Now, I say this but being the prompt he has to keep a strict eye on the script just in case he is needed, so easy may not be the correct choice of adjective. His role as prompt was not needed tonight.

Lighting is by Iain Walton. A simple but effective design delivered perfectly.

Sound is by Andy Cook who did a cracking job with the music as well as all of the sound cues needed in the show.

I have mentioned the make up for the characters being really good, and this was all done by the cast themselves.

Now, I always keep my promises, and I did say that the Front Of House team would get a special mention. The Ravenshead Theatre Group members, family and friends were really friendly and so helpful with selling programmes, distributing and selling tickets and making sure everyone got to their allotted seats. 

A really funny pantomime take on a classic story delivered by a cast of brilliant actors who pack so much into the two hours, including interval. Ideal for all the family.

"The Wizard Of Oz" is at Ravenshead Village Hall until Sunday 25^th for their matinee performance. There's also a matinee at 2pm on the Saturday.

 "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" by Christchurch Theatre Company.

Loughborough Town Hall.

The story of inventor Caractacus Potts, his two children, Jeremy and Jemima and his father, Mr Potts senior. Caractacus saves an old racing car from being sold to the scrap man and works his magic and creates a car that can float and fly. Meanwhile news has spread to the Baron and Baroness of Vulgaria and they send their two hapless spies to retrieve the car for the Baron.

The spies Goran and Boris mistake Potts senior for the inventor and sky lift him over to the Baron, followed by Caractacus, the children and Truly Scrumptious, to Vulgaria, a place where children are banned and caught by the evil child catcher. With the help of the Toy Maker a happy ending for all is promised with just a little team work, which obviously makes this dream work.

Caractacus Potts is played by Ben Burgess. Ben brings out the warmth of the character, and the loving and protective father, the devoted son as well as the down to earth inventor; all the things that Truly found endearing to her, in the exact way that the film did when portrayed by Dick Van Dyke. At the start, I did think that Ben may have been just a bit too young to portray Caractacus, after all he doesn't look too much older than the Potts kids, but his mature acting and musical theatre voice ensured that he Caract the role with energy and enthusiasm, and without Van Dyke's cockney brogue.

Truly Scrumptious is played by Anja Zeman. Apart from Anja being truly scrumptious to look, her voice is as clear as crystal and her acting skills bring both a softness as well as a natural mirror to the pairing of Caractacus and Truly. I have always loved the scene in the palace where Truly and Caractacus are disguised as the Baron's birthday dolls and this scene was beautifully choreographed and played out on stage. Love the POSH accent, which of course went well with Truly's background and heritage.

Mr Potts Senior is played by Duncan Gadsby who completely captured the eccentricity of the character. It's so nice to see Duncan back on stage itself with this brilliantly comical role instead of being part of the set and the scenery.

The young Potts, Jeremy and Jemima (Henry, Lily, Amelie and George), played on Thursday night by Team Truly's pair, George Consterdine and Lily Cain. This pair, as I am sure Amelie Vickers and Henry Langley are, not stage shy and showed brilliant character acting, chemistry and confidence, alongside some pretty impressive vocals.

Lord Scrumptious, who we only saw in a couple of scenes, is played by Ashley Bright, but the scene where Caractacus is promoting his Toot Sweets to Truly's father is vital and worthy of mentioning.

The Toy Maker, played in the original film by Benny Hill, is played by Al Jordan, who delivers playfulness as well as an air of mystery in this role.

The two foreign spies, Boris and Goran are played excellently by Jarrod Makin and Isaac Banda. As with the Baron and Baroness, this is another wonderful pair of comic characters from the pen of Ian Fleming, and Jarrod and Isaac bring forth every ounce of comic fun, and I love their accents, the fun costumes and I noticed that some of their lines were quite topical as well. I enjoyed how Nick Sutcliffe, the Director, had them popping up from all over the place. keeping the audience on their toes.

Baron Bomburst is played by Jonathan Penton with Baroness Bomburst  played by Gemma Farnell. As in the film the characters are comedy gold, as are all the pairings in this musical and Jonathan and Gemma add that extra shine to the gold on stage. There are also some topical lines from the Baron regarding invading lands for no reason - mmm I wonder who that could be having a gentle dig at? And also a mention of Bernard Matthews, the only time you'll hear me mention turkey in the same sentence as Jonathan and Gemma!

The evil Child Catcher is played by Hannah Osgood and like any panto style baddie, her appearance completely changed the whole atmosphere from the audience. I remember seeing the film as a young boy and this character sent shivers down my spine. The visual image is enough to have you cowering behind a cushion, and Hannah brings back all of those feelings deliciously, although I now don't hide my face behind a pillow... well not in the theatre anyway. The physicality she brings to the character is almost spider-like, as if she is poised like a tightly coiled spring, just ready to pounce on a rogue child.

The large ensemble consisted of Ashley Bright, Daisy Bright, Alison Darlow-Carter, Maddie Dunstan, Guy French, Nicky Hignett, Al Jordan, Paul Marriott, Amy McMurray, Laura Moore, Hannah Osgood, Jonah Robinson, Julie Robinson, Jayne Sanderson, Naomi Sandford, Millie Stapleford and Laura Tindle. Where would we be without an ensemble in any theatre production, and this ensemble show they are worth their weight in gold.

Team Truly consist of Rio Hatcher (Toby), Caleb Johnston (Steven), Lyla McMurray (Marta), Arla-Rae Neale (Greta), Darcy Peaty (Susan) and Edie Peaty (Girl).

Team Scrumptious is made up of Ezra Hinsley-Sarkar (Toby), Riley Bailey (Steven), Evie Robinson (Marta), Esmae-Rose Goodwin (Greta), Isabelle Clarke (Susan) and Ell-J Thurman (Girl).

The children's ensemble consist of two teams; Team Truly and Team Scrumptious......

Team Truly, the team on stage on Thursday night, consisted of Izzy Jewitt, Izzy Murray, Amelia Rees and Abigail Rundle-Brown.

Team Scrumptious consisted of Rosy Allen, Ruby Davenport, Lilian McFerran and Brooke Wingfield.

A fresh and punchy direction by Nick Sutcliffe, matches the wonderful choreography by Frankie Johnson. One of my favourite choreographed sections from the film is the iconic fairground scene and the song "Me Ol' Bamboo" which is possibly the most energetic and technically difficult piece to perform live on stage, but Ben and the ensemble just made it look like it is something they do every day.

You'll instantly remember most of the songs from the production, "Toot Sweets", "Truly Scrumptious","Hushabye Mountain", "Me Ol Bamboo", "Chu Chi Face", "Doll On A Music Box" and of course the title song. Musical Director is Vicky Hing, and as soon as I saw her name in the programme a tingle went through me because I know the standard of MD'ing you get with Vicky, and I was not wrong. Powerful, whimsical, lush, pacy, all adjectives I'd pin to the musical side of this show with Vicky in charge of the baton. The acoustics at Loughborough Town Hall have always been brilliant and the twelve piece orchestra sounded as good as anything I have heard in any theatre.

The set design and car hire were provided by Chitty Hire; again if you hire and work with the best, you get the best. Both set and car are pure magic and that's what you get in this show; magic.

Background Cloths by Scenic Projects.

Costumes for this show must go into the hundreds, or so they seem. The cast and ensemble number greatly so with just one costume there's plenty to wardrobe manage, but they all looked absolutely spiffing. Costumes by Charades - Theatrical Costume Hire of St Helens.

Sound Designer is David Phillips. No mic issues at all and a lovely balanced all round sound that made the show a really pleasant experience.

Lighting Designer is by James Cladingboel and Ben Bradshaw and Laura Hambleton worked magic with the follow spots.

Anyone who has seen, been involved or spoken at length about this musical will know that it's a big production. I know that everyone, from the Director to the cast and the backstage team could not have done any more than they have done on stage this week. It's always been one of my favourite childhood stories - I even had a metal Chitty car with retractable wings when I was a kid, and it very quickly became one of my favourite musicals, and CTC have just reinforced why I love this bang banger of a musical as much as I do.

"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is at Loughborough Town Hall until Saturday 24 January.

 "Seasons Greetings" by Alan Ayckbourn.

Bonington Players.

Bonington Theatre, Arnold.

The follow up to Ayckbourn’s “Absurd Person Singular” in regards to festive plays. Christmas Eve at the Bunker household and Belinda and Neville are hosting. Neville slightly distracted by his various gadgets and Belinda tending the tree and being the perfect hostess. Bernard, a doctor, apparently not a very good one, Harvey, the Uncle is in front of the TV, watching some violence, and Neville and Eddie are engrossed in constructing remote control Christmas Tree lights. Rachel, Belinda’s sister is awaiting Clive, a writer who is in a non-starter of a relationship with Rachel. When Clive turns up, he seems to have eyes for someone else in the Bunker family. Throw into the mix a heavily pregnant Pattie and her selfish and quite lazy husband, Eddie and Bernard's lush of a wife, Pippa.

Act One sets the scene, and introduces all of the characters in the play, and gets you ready for an explosive, but very funny Act Two.

There are several wonderfully funny highlights within Act Two, which I won’t spoil but includes a brilliantly entertaining puppet show, created and performed by Bernard.

While being one of Ayckbourn’s funniest plays, it also highlights the sadness wallowing under the surface of suburbia and the pressure that some people are put under at Christmas to live up to what others expect of them.

Neville, Phyllis's brother, always busy fiddling with anything mechanical out in his shed, or on the dining room table, is played by Christian King. It may seem that Neville is either bored, or maybe no longer cares about Belinda, as bore out in a conversation between the pair while Neville is, yet again fiddling with a screwdriver and wires, but there's then a scene that shows his protective and caring side of his marriage. Christian I've seen now in several plays by The Bonington Players and know, just by looking at the show programme, that we will be in for a character-filled role from Mr King.

Belinda, who endures a stale marriage to Neville and resorts to flapping about the house, is played by Anna Hodkin. Anna portrays the hostess with the mostest, or maybe just the normal wife and mother at this time of year absolutely perfectly, and I've never seen anyone dress a Christmas Tree with such style and speed as Anna in the opening scene. Without giving too much away for anyone who does not know the story, there's a scene where Belinda shows her more passionate side, which is the direct opposite to the very last scene that Anna acts out where you again feel remorse or loss for the character.

Pippa, Neville's lush of a sister, is played by Lindsey Hemingway. My favourite script delivery from a character in "Seasons Greetings". I was so sure that I had spotted the source and inspiration for the real lush sections of the play, which Lindsey confirmed to me after the show to be correct - I won't spoil it by revealing that source. Loved the snakes and ladders scene and even though we weren't privy to the Christmas Eve kitchen scene, I had images in my head of Lindsey of how it would look from the descriptions from what was happening in the kitchen from the other characters. Marvellous method acting I imagine as I could never imagine Lindsey herself being a lush!

Harvey is Neville and Pippa's uncle, a cantankerous man who boasts about "thirty years' experience" as a security officer and bemoans the collapse of society while himself gorging on TV violence. Played by Philip Chapman, Harvey could have been lifted straight out of an unwritten "Fawlty Towers" episode. Having all that "security" experience of course makes him think that he can spot a felon immediately, and when one comes along that he thinks this about, he pulls no punches in exposing his arsenal of weapons he carries about his person. When he thinks someone is a "wrong'un", he takes action! I imagine Philip has had great fun in rehearsals getting this character just right, because it was fun from an audience point of view to watch Harvey evolve.

Bernard, Pippa's is a feeble-spirited doctor with strong views on non-violence. Every year he creates an elaborate puppet show for the children, which he fondly imagines they enjoy (though they actually hate it). Played by Wayne Hill there is almost a character within a character persona played out by Wayne. First off, the bumbling medical man, backed up in the conversations from the family members, and then in a scene later in the second act. Then there is this wonderful puppeteer role with puppet theatre (Philip Chapman, Helen Gardner and David Sweeney) and the most hilarious production of "The Three Little Pigs".

Rachel is Belinda's emotionally fuddled sister. Played by Abigail Taylor, she plays down her emotions for Clive, the writer who she has invited to stay over for the Christmas present giving period, but we soon see the depth of her feelings for her good-looking fancy man.

Eddie, a lacklustre man who tried to strike out on his own, workwise, but failed, is played by Luke Richardson. He'll do anything to not be in the same room as his wife and kids, only showing any sign of feelings for Pattie at one stage of the play, and for the shortest time. Ayckbourn is fantastic at people watching and writing characters from the people that he has observed, and you can just tell that this is one of those characters that he just had to create a character for. Wonderfully lazy, the sort of character that you'll see at most family gatherings sat in the kitchen avoiding everything and everyone, especially his wife. One scene to especially look out for is an explosive one concerning Pattie and Eddie and a book!

Pattie is Eddie's pregnant wife, largely ignored by her husband, is played by Jenny Adams. Jenny's physicality is spot on; there's not one movement that she makes without having the thought of how a pregnant woman would move or think. I am not going to automatically assume that Jenny has been in this position in her life, but it was almost as if she was "with child" on stage creating every move from that viewpoint. Another highlight that Jenny creates is the scene where she is helping Bernard with his puppet show.

Clive, a young writer and in a non-starter of a relationship with Rachel, is played by Billy Bamberger. I had to look twice because the last time I saw Billy, just a couple of weeks' ago he had his usual facial hair; for this role he is completely clean shaven and looks so different. Clive has an effect on one of the characters in the play and the scene between these two characters and a singing and dancing Christmas tree is another of this play's highlights. Billy made his Bonington Players' debut in his last production at Bonington Theatre, and it's good to see him back on stage again as this suave writer.

Directed by  Howard Whitehurst, who also designed the wonderful set. The only thing that slowed the pace to this show down was the scene changes, but these were covered by suitable musical interventions, but there were quite a few props to remove and replace for the five scenes. The cast are perfectly cast to their characters and is so life mirroring (is there such a word?) that he makes you feel like flies on a wall at a festive gathering.

Lighting and Sound Design is by David Goatham. Sound operation is by Michelle Bellamy and the Lighting Operator is Peter Hodgkinson.

There are so many props in this production, sourced and set dressed by Linda Whitehurst.

The costumes are sourced by Lindsey Hemingway.

I've seen this play before, but I could watch anything written by Alan Ayckbourn over and over again and still laugh as loud, especially with this cast. You will be able to spot your own family members within this play and laugh along with, and at them. Brilliantly acted by all, and I even spotted a couple of the actors secretly smiling to themselves at a couple of sections of the play, so if the cast are still enjoying their own play, after weeks of rehearsals, then you know that you're on to a winner. Either that or just listen to the volume of laughter throughout this two and a half hour festive fun fest (including interval).

"Seasons Greetings" is at The Bonington Theatre, Arnold until Saturday 24 January. 

 "Single White Female"

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

This is a new stage play, adapted by author, journalist and broadcaster, Rebecca Reid and is a social media infused reimagining of the 1992 movie of the same name and book by John Lutz. Adapted for the stage by Rebecca Reid.

Recently divorced Allie advertises for a flatmate to help manage single parenthood as well as the new apartment that she and her teenage daughter have just moved into, while launching her tech startup. When the seemingly perfect lodger Hedy arrives, their lives become increasingly intertwined, and the arrangement begins to unravel in unexpected ways, as Allie discovers that Hedy is not the stranger that she first appears, and they have more in common than first appears!

Allie is played by Lisa Faulkner, who returns to the stage after far too many years, and is someone whose talented fingers are in many pies, quite literally, as she has carved out quite a career as a TV cook, writer, presenter and winner of "Celebrity Masterchef", as well as being a very successful actress. There are some brilliant mood explosions as she discovers that Hedy is becoming just a little too involved in her life, and I really enjoyed the way that she was drawn to a full stop when little things that Hedy dropped into their conversation, but then carried on; all due probably to the speed that her working and personal life was escalating at. Brilliantly played out by Lisa throughout this spine tingling thriller.

Hedy is played by Kym Marsh. It's no secret that I have been a fan of Kym's from her early pop music days, and that is no hearsay. She went on to be a regular in "Coronation Street" playing Michelle Connor, won several awards for her TV work and is currently in "Waterloo Road". Kym is no stranger to playing slightly unhinged characters on stage either as she has played Cruella de Vil as well as Alex Forest in "Fatal Attraction", so playing Hedy is a walk in the park. 

You know when you're watching TV and you feel like shouting at the screen, well that's how I felt about some of the things that Kym brought to the stage. Every muscle in my body tightened while watching Kym and Lisa on stage because of the intensity of the action and intentions of the actions. The final scenes from Kym became quite the scare fest as Hedy's behaviour spiralled completely out of control. This performance brought back memories of "Fatal Attraction" from four years ago, thinking of twisted psychopathic women.

Graham is played by Andro, who I know better as being part of a brilliant soul band called Jungle, but has recently turned to acting and already has a sizeable acting resume to his name. Graham is Allie's supportive, gay best friend and business partner. He provides comic relief and a connection to the outside world as Allie's life unravels with her obsessive roommate. Look out for some excellent make up on Andro in the final scenes!

Jonny McGarrity plays Sam, the ex-boyfriend whose messy breakup prompts Allie to find a roommate. Your feelings towards this character do a complete U Turn when you discover what his fate is, which is a sign of a brilliant actor to make your feelings and attitude change on a sixpence. His morals may be questionable but his ending is definitely a sight for sore eyes!

Amy Snudden plays Bella, Allie's vulnerable 15 year old daughter. She is a character created for the stage play and does not appear in the original film. She is an important addition as it allows the story to be brought up to date with the inclusion of everything to do with identity and obsession within social media. She has just moved to a new school, where she is being bullied for not fitting in, but there's a lot more to this sideline story than meets the eye, as we discover right at the very end of the play. Another excellent performance and Amy delivers a bratty and spoilt teenager persona, but as I said, there's a lot more to this teenager than first meets the eye! The twist at the end brings into mind nature Vs nurture, as well as another train of thought, but I'll leave that for you to decide.

Directed by Gordon Greenberg, it feels quite cinematic, and having seen the film years ago, the stage version is similar to watching the film, just with different actors and with a more modern story intertwined. It still has the intensity of the film, probably more so because what is happening is so close to you physically. It also brings home to you the intimacy of being in a small flat with other people, especially when, as an outsider, you can see the layers of evil being pared away.

The set design, by Morgan Large, looks beautifully upmarket with the kitchenette and sitting room with the three bedrooms leading off the main sitting room.

The lighting by Jason Taylor, and sound by Max Pappenheim work brilliantly hand in hand to create the thrills and atmosphere.

I also must really give a mention to Kaitlin Howard who is the Fight and Intimacy Director, because the violence in the play was really realistic, and again brought forth large, audible intakes of breath. 

In a modern world of social media where we let strangers into our lives and where everything to know about a person is, quite often, out there for all to see, this stage production is as bang up to date as you're going to get, and just as frightening as the film was back in 1992. And if you're thinking of taking in a lodger this year..... make sure all of your stilettos are locked away!

Being a fan of both Ms Marsh and Ms Faulkner, I was always going to love this play version, and the intense, muscle clenching, white knuckle gripping rollercoaster of a thriller is a ride that I will gladly buy another ticket for.

"Single White Female" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 24 January.

 "Aladdin" by Westfield Folkhouse Pantomime.

Mansfield Palace Theatre.

To celebrate their 86th year we're transported from the cold. misty and damp streets of Mansfield to the busy and dusty market place of Peking with the story of "Aladdin", all thanks to Westfield Folkhouse Pantomime. All those years performing and experience have culminated in one of the best pantomimes I've seen this winter period.

Aladdin lives a poor but happy life with his mother, Widow Twankey, who runs the local laundry. However, everything changes with the arrival of a mysterious stranger who claims to have magical powers and to be Aladdin’s uncle. He promises Aladdin fame and fortune if he will only help locate a long-lost lamp. Aladdin accepts without hesitation, but it soon becomes clear his uncle is not what he claims to be.

Aladdin’s life is further complicated as he falls in love with the beautiful Princess Jasmine, much to the anger of her mother, the Empress, who banishes him from the country. Aladdin decides that as he now has nothing to lose, he'd go with Abanazar, get the lamp, get rich and see what happens then. Well, a lot happens after that!

Playing the titular role is Amy Briscoe who embodies the traditional Aladdin style and look, and may I say looks fantastic; a look that matches her voice. There are a few duets with Amy, all of which, not only highlights what a gorgeous voice she has, but how beautifully her voice blends in with others.

Princess Jasmine is played by Chloe Barratt-Reid, and like Amy, who she gets to duet with on some absolute banging toons, Chloe has a fantastic voice.

Abanazar is wonderfully nasty without going over the top. Played by Matthew Bird, he looks the part in just one of the best costumes for this character that I've seen in this pantomime period.

Widow Twankey is played by Martin Belcher. I mentioned costumes when talking about Matthew Bird, but, while there's less costume changes for this character than most "Dame" characters, these costumes for Twankey are 100% original while being completely outrageous, which is how I could describe Martin Belcher's performance. I love a good Dame, and Martin is a brilliant Dame.

Vizier opens the whole show with a rousing version of "Can't Stop The Beat" and sets the tone for the whole show. Matthew Jayes has such a strong musical theatre voice and the songs that he delivers are done with ultimate ease.

David Gell plays Inspector Shaw, one half of a legendary pantomime double act along with Brandon Stafford who plays Sergeant Rick; and together they make Rick and Shaw. There's such a lot of material this pair bring to the pantomime, including dollops of audience participation, and I've not seen an audience so eager to participate as the one on Saturday night. There's loads of classic panto double act jokes alongside some extremely funny new jokes, all of which hit home with the audience. Along with a wonderful sketch with Matthew Jayes as Vizier about a lottery win and a visit to the Chinese Takeaway, which I didn't see coming until half way through the sketch, this trio delivered a brilliant rendition of "Money Makes The World Go Round".

The extremely glamorous Empress is played by the extremely glamorous Christine Oscroft. Christine didn't have to do a thing to make every red-blooded male in the theatre fall in love with her.

Lynn Roberts completed the main cast playing The Genie.

The People Of Peking are played by Honey Cohen, Michelle Ferencikova, Grace Hackett, Kacey Hartin, Eila Van Ham, Ruth Lamb, Emily Rainbow and Daisy Seymour.

The Babes of Peking, who are split into three teams of eight, are Isabella Alvey, Heidi Briggs, Isabella Gunby, Lois Hibbert, Cora Littler, Elsie-May Mehew, Elsie Norman, Rosie Radzynski, Georgia Shipley, Arabella Taylor, Ivy Warren, Amelia Wilkinson, Marlowe Boole, Frey Ja Edson, Erin Hancock, Martha Isterling, Niamh Lock, Lyra Mowbray, Caitlin Pincott, Shyana Rubio-Bates, Frankie Spinks, Bella-Rose Wallace, Rose Wightman and Elsie Williamson.

There was so much energy coming off that stage with the Babes as well as the People Of Peking and every single one of the above looked as joyful performing as we felt watching them.

Directed by Brandon Stafford, this is another production that is on a par with any professional pantomime this season. It's tight, it's full of pace, it's slick, it looks incredible, the scenery is fantastic, just everything about this production is absolutely spot on. I certainly cannot think of anything that could be done better to enhance this show; it has everything you need from a family pantomime.

Choreographed by Lynn Roberts. Just look at the amount of people involved onstage and that should give you an idea of the work that has been put into the dance numbers seen on Mansfield Palace Theatre's stage. And as I stated above, this production is more than a match for any professional pantomime company such as Crossroads.

Musical Director is James Barrows. He and his other four orchestra members created a sound so huge, everything sounded absolutely superb. The quality of the music sound and volume was perfect, especially with the acoustics of the theatre, acoustics that I have said on previous occasions are one of the best in any theatre that I've been in. The songs chosen for the panto are diverse, from musical theatre favourites to 60's pop classics, singalong bangers to modern catchy tunes. Basically there's something, music wise, for everyone. The audience participation section with "Sweet Caroline" sounded as if it had been transported from the stands of Mansfield Town Football Club.

The script has been written by Westfield Folkhouse Pantomime which is why it's so good, especially with all the experience this group have in the field of pantomime, and when they have such a strong cast that they write for. It also means that the story is slightly different while still keeping that traditional feel.

Costumes for this production are, as I mentioned earlier some of the best costumes outside the big professional pantomime companies. You need to experience seeing them to get the full effect and beauty of them. Julie Wright is the lady responsible for this area of production with additional costumes supplied by Imagine Theatre Ltd.

Sound Design is by CNICS. Absolutely perfect sound quality and operation. I don't need to say more than this. Possibly the best sound quality and operation from all of the pantomimes over the 2025/2026 period.

Lighting Design is not listed in the programme, but as with the sound design, it was completely faultless and added to the magic of the whole production and presentation.

For a brilliantly entertaining family show, you need to look no further than this show.

"Aladdin" is at the Mansfield Palace Theatre on Sunday 18^th January and then 20^th to 25^th January with matinees and morning performances on weekends.

 "The Nutcracker Prince" by The Young Performers.

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

This is an original pantomime written by Barbrara Moran and Patricia Freer and based on Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite".

Normally, I would say that you know the story and get straight down to saying how brilliant everyone was. But you don't know what this panto is about, do you? Oh no you don't! Enough of all this literary frivolity, let me give you a quick synopsis of the story....

It's almost Christmas and Grandfather Drosselmeyer is throwing a huuuuuge party with the usual dancing, food and presents for all of the younger guests. Franz and Clara. the Grandchildren are so impatient to open their gifts that they are allowed to do so and discover that Grandfather has made Franz a wooden mouse and Clara a wooden nutcracker in the shape of a Prince. Little do they know that the tree that the wood was carved from had a spell cast on it, therefore making both toys magic, but only when kissed!

The mouse suddenly turned into a giant, nasty rat who kidnapped the two children, but to foil King Rat, the wooden Nutcracker Prince turned into a magical Prince who, along with Nanny and Grandfather, and a few other magical fairies, set off on an adventure to save the kidnapped Clara and Franz from the clutches of King Rat and his baddies!

And you know what? It's brilliant fun! That's the start of the story, now onto the praising.....

Grandfather is played by one of my favourite young actors Finlay Tomlinson. Strangely he looks a lot older than he is, not sure how they have managed that, and he has nailed the physicality of the role, complete with a walking cane, making all of those noises and faces that people my age make when they get up out of a chair. I also noted that his diction has improved and I could hear every word he spoke, and holds his head up at all times when speaking to the audience. This young man shone in this role tonight, especially with the comedy element of the character being hard of hearing and mishearing some of the phrases. Finlay has always had funny bones on stage and this role has made dem bones grow even more.

I will also add that Finlay is one of those young actors who does not get fazed when something goes, let's say, not to plan. On opening night, something happened near the end which was not scripted and Finaly dealt with it like the unfazable young actor he is. In fact, I think that part should be kept in because it got a brilliant response from the audience.

Nanny is also another brilliantly written comedy character and played by Lexie-Mae Hart. I had been expecting a pantomime aimed at the same age audience as the actors involved but no! Here we have a naughty Nanny with some of the things that she comes out with, and Lexie-Mae delivers the lines with conviction. There are some excellent costumes for Nanny to wear as well, a couple receiving wolf whistles from the packed theatre. A lovely cheeky performance from Lexie-Mae, who looked as if she was enjoying it just as much as the audience were.

Clara, the young girl who is not averse to having tantrums when she does not get her own way and often tends to throw her shoe at people to make her point, is played by Mily Hopkins. Clara's rambunciousness - I know, great word that I have just discovered - is half of the reason for the children's kidnapping, but is also how they win the battle at the end. Something to watch out for without being too much of a spoiler!

Clara's brother, Franz, is played by Evie Yates. Franz is the typical brother who wants to have a go with everything his sister has and that is how this massive adventure really gets going. Great pairing of Evie and Mily in these roles.

Prince Valen - the Nutcracker Prince -is played by Paige Bone and another young actor who has nailed the physicality of their role. She looks regal as she strides across the stage with head held high and performs like the hero that Prince Valen is. And of course, there's love in the air as well. Does he get his Princess? Come along and see.

The lovely Laura is played by the lovely Clarissa Armitage. In all good pantomimes there are couples that are thrown together and make for happy endings. Need I say more? Laura gets her day and her match, as does another couple in this story. Lovely voice and a bit of a groover as well.

We all love a good baddie and King Rat is a brilliant baddie and I truly think that Daniel Swan absolutely relished his role as King Rat, especially in how he addressed the audience even before the curtains were raised, and also as he took his final bows, he kept in character from start to finish. His rodent staff were almost as evil as he was, well apart from one (but I won't say which one and why). They were made up of Millie Weston (Dribble), Alex Povey (Drivel), Violet Graney (Twitch) and Imogen Scott (Snitch).

One of the good guys is Uncle Mergus, played by Jamie Higgins. Jamie is leading man material but I'd have liked him to maybe slow down the delivery just a tad as he seemed to want to get his part of the script out of the way; maybe nerves on this opening night, but a very charismatic actor is Jamie. 

Back to the nasty characters and we come to Malpoda, who wants a certain ingredient from the children to complete her latest potion, which is why King Rat kidnaps the children to get on her good side. Alexa Lewis, like Daniel looked to enjoy every menacing minute she was on stage. Alexa has great poise and I loved her deliciously devilish rendition of Lady Gaga's "Abracadabra".

We get not one, but two panto animals in this show; two reindeers. Randolph, who has a very runny nose and a cough is played by Emily Wilkins and Livvy Read, and Ria who has been force fed onions by Malpoda, is played by Remy Read and Heidi Parsons. Great co-ordination with both of these pairs.

And so back to some more goodies. Neve Johnson (Auralia), Lottie Ellis (Eleane), Evie Perks (Fallandra), Sophie Longcroft (Mother Nature), Keeley Rickerby (Sweetpea), Izzy Pickering (Primrose), Daisy O' Connor (Poppy)and Molly Price (Snowdrop).

The ensemble are made up AJ Chamberlain, Alexia Simpson, Amelia Baker, Archie Brooks-Ball, Elijah Green, Emily Mae Taylor, Emmie Simmonds, Megan Shackleton, Mia Allen, Millie Newbold and Olivia Monk. All of which played every other part in this panto wonderfully.

Directed by Vicky Byrne, assisted by Ella Charlesworth and Lewis McDowall, this pantomime could not have gone any better with all of the cast looking to have enjoyed everything on stage as much as us. It was pacy and an absolute blast from start to finish. It highlights that younger actors can embrace panto roles, audience participation, comedy, slapstick alongside acting, singing and dancing. Vicky and co. really seems to have got the best out of this talented and enthusiastic cast.

Musical Director is Harvey Tavener. Another brilliant area of the production team, but then again Harvey knows his stuff when it comes to music and performing, so the perfect person for this role. Included in the show are some real bangers that will have your hands clapping, toes tapping and ricks rolling.

Choreographed by Lottie Ludlow, another expert in their given field. I watched all of the dancers and sometimes you may spot one or two who watched the others for the moves, or maybe one or two who were a second or two behind, but not in this show. Like the singing and acting the cast are a mirror for the various sections of the production team, and this cast showed what a brilliant bunch of teachers they have in the various fields by showing the audience what they had been told to do in rehearsals, and doing it to the high standard we see on that stage.

There were some fabulous costumes sourced and provided by Sarah Charlesworth, Andy Cook and Friends of The Young Performers. King Rat, Mother Nature, Nanny, Malpoda and The Prince's costumes were really eye-catching.

A great set design as well with several different locations and scenes slid effortlessly into place and designed by Roydon Charlesworth. Combined with the projections, designed by Lewis Cuthbert and operated by Gizel Chaparova, this was a pretty top notch area of production.

The lighting was a match for all other areas of the production with the design being by Dave Martin and Maddie Taft.

The sound design is the area that I usually have anything slightly negative to comment on, not all the time, but there were a few too many mic pack issues for me to skip over this area. Mic packs when they are on an actor can play up, especially with how an actor moves and wires can become loose and start to cut out, and that is really what dropped the ink in the ointment for me. That said there is nothing that a sound operator, in this case Olivia Michaud, or designer can do about it, so it's not their fault, and I know that good quality mic packs don't come cheap and you have to use what you have to get you by. That is also just one reason to support local theatre groups so that faulty mic packs with loose wires can either be maintained or replaced. I must say it was really good to see opening night though with very few empty seats.

And finally, I must congratulate the authors of this show, Patricia freer and Barbara Moran. It can't be easy to write a completely original pantomime using a classical composer's work, "The Nutcracker Suite" as a baseline. For a start, the majority of the cast will probably not have heard Tchaikovsky's work, and probably even further may not relate to it, even though there is one piece that lyrics have been added to "Dance Of the Sugar Plum Fairy", and it sounded great. I loved the comedy and jokes written for this, let's face it, who doesn't find the mishearing of an old man's understanding of what he thought he had heard very comical, plus the sauciness and seaside humour of Nanny's retorts?

"The Nutcracker Prince" is at The Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton until Saturday 17 January. Brighten up your January blues with this fun packed and fast paced pantomime. There may be rain outside dear, but there's also some inside "rein deer", which is much more fun.