LATE, great comedy favourite Les Dawson is actually alive and well and appearing on the stage of the Norbury Theatre - almost!

Even those too young to remember the rubber-faced legend were wiping away the tears, as Brian Gater marched on stage in a style, which could only be akin to Dawson himself.

Clad in garish frocks and sporting an auburn wig Brian shone as the traditional pantomime dame, Mrs Crusoe, in Robinson Crusoe. I was not surprised to learn he's a bit of an old pro in this role!

However, he was not the only highlight of the show, which tells the swashbuckling story of hero Robinson, a pirate ship and a treasure chest. Sara Hicks-Jones was perfectly angelic as Polly Perkins, Robinson's love interest and there were some well-choreographed dance routines. I felt the show got off to a shaky start, but as the players warmed up so did the audience. Fun loving families looking for laughs this winter need go no further than the Droitwich playhouse, if only to see a truly funny tribute to Les Dawson.

The show runs from tonight (Wednesday) until Saturday (January 17) and then from January 21 until 24. Evening performances start at 7.30pm and the Saturday matinee commences at 2.30pm. EB