THE Everyman's panto can hardly be called a tradition since it reaches back just five years but on this showing it will become a fixture in every family's calendar.

This is good old English panto at it's absolute best - a treat for the children with plenty for mum and dad to smile at.

Sue Colverd, the theatre's artistic director, writes and directs and has put together a cast of superb actors, many with local connections, and a creative team who make it look and sound spectacular.

Colourful sets, brilliantly lit, make for a magical visual feast and provide a perfect backdrop for the actors who, even on Friday's first night, kept the dialogue and action fizzing. The primary roles are all played with great skill but a special mention must go to Mark Roper as Dame Trot for an archetypal Dame, cheeky enough to make the adults laugh but nowhere near the knuckle.

Aimee Thomas as Apperley the good fairy has a huge stage presence, immense charm and a wonderful singing voice, Glynn Sweet is a splendid hissing villain Stinchcombe and Simon Willmott is an endearing and charming hero Jack.

Jessica Robinson performs an amazing double act as the incompetent baddie Oddington and the beautiful princess Cherington, Michael Skyers is suitably grand as the magical Elkstone and Kyia Grandi is an energetic and huggable Berkeley the dog.

If you believe in the magic of Christmas, book now.

Review by STEVE EVANS.