THE Pavilion has landed itself an 80th birthday celebration cracker with this festive family treat.

CBeebies presenter Chris Jarvis is back to star in and direct his fourth Bournemouth pantomime, joined by legendary comedy star Su Pollard and their combined talents are simply magical.

A traditional pantomime that stays true to the story book, featuring Disney songs like I’m Wishing and Whistle While you Work, it is packed with hilarious current references and upbeat pop songs too.

Snow White – the beautifully voiced Rebecca Marks, sings Some Day My Prince Will Come but also belts out Alexandra’s Bad Boys. And Su, typically outlandish and exuberant as the Wicked Queen, performs Robbie’s Let Me Entertain You, whipping the audience up into a singing, clapping and laughing frenzy. The mix of old and new is spot on.

Chris builds brilliant comedy impressions and voices into his character Muddles, from Frank Spencer to Alan Carr, The Simpsons, Bruce Forsythe- and even Su’s famous Hi-de-Hi character dithering chalet maid Peggy!

It really is one of the funniest, happiest pantos.

Visually it is stunning with impressive sets, exciting dance routines and costumes that see woodland creatures, a werewolf, spider, mummy, Bob the Builder, characters from The Night Garden and of course seven dwarfs, treading the boards.

A splendid supporting cast also features delightful dancers from Bournemouth’s Stage Door School of Dance and Drama.

Ample booing, hissing, singing and general audience participation also meant this show just zipped along and left everyone with a huge smile on their face. This is how panto should be done!

HILARY PORTER