THIS pantomime is so well known that it requires no introduction. Here we enjoyed brilliant direction ensuring excellent pace, timing and dynamic characterisations; the skill of delivery resulted in even the corniest, most obvious jokes being genuinely extremely comical.

Ryan Bishop was a cheekily charming Jack, demonstrating an innate aptitude for comedy opposite the excellent pantomime fool, Kevin Warne (Simon), and making an endearing couple with Holly Williams (Princess Primrose), especially during their beautifully sung duet.

John Pitman made a natural Dame, full of double-entendres, while Steve Rickman was a deliciously villainous Ratman, hindered by the inept efforts of the fabulously funny duo of Nicky Williams (Snatchet) and Marion Foot (Scarper).

From the youngest to the more experienced, both ensemble and production team produced a wonderful evening of community theatre entertainment, proving that big budget productions are not a prerequisite for first-rate pantomimes.