IMMEDIATELY the show started, enthusiastic children in the audience were engaged in repartee with the pantomime cast.

All the essential and traditional ingredients were present. There was an abundance of 'Oh no he's not!' 'Oh yes he is!', corny 'Knock! Knock!' type jokes and liberal puffs of smoke drifting over the stage.

Richard Swerrun, as Dick Whittington, was dashing and handsome, and Alice Fitzwarren, who Dick married eventually, was played by Suzy Stanley, a winsome young lady.

Plenty of tomfoolery took place when Paul Tate (Sarah the Cook), an archtypal 'Dame', was on stage; her eccentric-coloured hair and outrageous dresses were amazing.

Isla St Clair, the Good Fairy Bow-Bells, wore silver and white, while her wicked counterpart, Queen Rat, performed by Ann Major, complete with a long, important tail, was booed and hissed at.

It was good to see Chris Jaeger, director of The Swan and Huntingdon Hall, on stage as Captain Dover. Scenery and lighting were ideal.

Musical accompaniment for soloists and a youthful chorus was provided by percussion and keyboard, with David Gaukroger as the musical director. Familiar numbers included My Favourite Things and There's a Worm at the Bottom of my Garden, the latter sung and acted by the audience.

The wedding of Dick and Alice, a sparkling occasion brought an excellent entertainment to its glittering end.

The show, directed by Chris Jaeger and choreographed by Richard Swerrun, runs until Sunday, December 29.

Jill Hopkins