STOKE Lacy Village Hall Amateur Dramatics' first ever pantomime certainly won't be its last.

Everyone involved deserves praise for what was a thoroughly entertaining production.

If the cast weren't always word-perfect, it was all part of the fun and generally they carried it off very well.

Peter Libetta, as Wishee Washee showed a real talent for making the audience feel like part of the show.

His scene in the laundry with Widow Twanky (Brenda Cartledge) and the Chinese policeman, the excellent Paul Milner and David Sallis, was one of the highlights of the show, with clever slapstick routines and visual gags, like young Elliott Morris being pulled from a washing machine as a policeman who shrunk in the wash.

For a small village this was an ambitious production, which also featured some well-choreographed dance routines and lots of favourite songs.

Another of the highlights was John Davies' (the Emporer) rendition of Money Makes the World Go Around, complete with a number of memorable local references.

The rich voice of Nikki Ivison, as Aladdin, added some real quality to the singing, including a well-done duet with Sophie Evans (Lady Cha-Ming).

Chris Wanklyn, a late addition to the cast, brought a real sinister feel to the baddy Abanazar.

A set painted by Colin Simmonds and some clever lighting effects by Geoff Ivison really added to the production.

Helen Albert's entrances as the Slave of the Ring were enhanced by a dramatic sprinkling of shimmering paper.

This production featured a large number of children and their dance routines were well put together, particularly the belly dance.

Costumes were also memorable, not only the inevitable Widow Twanky dresses, but also Humphrey the camel, very popular with children.

Aladdin played to four sell-out audiences at Stoke Lacy Village Hall and proved a big hit. Personally, I can't wait till next Christmas!

Nick Howells