Kays Theatre Group certainly know how to put on a spectacular pantomime.

Sixty one years since their first, this show is the epitome of all that is good about family entertainment.

Who needs smutty jokes and adult innuendos to cajole an audience into a reaction?

The audience on opening night needed no such encouragement.

Their reactions were spontaneous and heartfelt as a result of a well disciplined production that proudly displayed a showcase of local talent.

Barry North’s experience shone through as Aloe Vera, his control, pace and likeability was expertly handled, creating a special relationship, not only with the audience but also with his (sorry her) fellow actors.

However this was not a one man show by any means - far from it.

It was a real team effort and this was evident in so many ways.

The enthusiasm shown by the cast was contagious and I really felt I wanted to be part of the action (I can’t sing but I did shout).

Peter Baio, was the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham ably assisted by Crowle and Tibberton (Cath Skyrme and Andrew Skelton), the two likeable rogues who we were supposed to hate, but really never could.

Robin Hood the hero and Maid Marion added the romance to the story and Ann Mayor in her inimitable fashion converted everyone’s frowns into smiles through her now trademark comic delivery.

Penny Ashmore as the Fairy of the Glades was quite ‘magical’ with a voice to match.

The younger team members provided the ‘ahhhh’ factor, with the two babes offering highly polished performances, that in my view would have graced any professional stage.

Sometimes, dancers are used to simply dress a production, but in this case the Harlequin Stage School Dancers did much more than that.

Their contributions were well disciplined and complimentary to both the action and storyline.

It is no surprise they have been chosen to represent England at the Dance World Cup in Romania this year.

What you see is what you get in this production and backroom staff are equally responsible for creating the glitz in a sparkling presentation of costumes, visual and sound effects and set design.

So, all in all, full credit must go to the script writer Paul Milton and joint directors Paula Dymock and Rachel Sedgley for a perfectly pitched production that really hits the mark.

One has to be objective when writing a review but I find it difficult to be negative about any aspect of this production.

Therefore I make no apologies for heaping the praise.

Don’t just take my word for it though, go and see for yourselves as there are some tickets still available.

To book yours, call Kays Box Office on 01905 425299 or email boxoffice@kaystheatregroup.co.uk.

Andy Stephens