Playhouse until 14th January

Once again, Michele Hardy has produced a first class pantomime for the Playhouse - Oh yes she has! It's been thought out right down to the smallest details: the set, the programme and the gifts are all just right, and the talented cast brings the whole thing to life. Christopher Scott is superb as the man-hunting, none-to-attractive Widow Twankey, whose constant sneezing provides ample opportunity for shouting "Hanky Twankey!" Neil Rutherford is Wishee Washee, Twankey's son, entertaining in his own right and an excellent partner to Scott. Both have distinctly different and equally amusing facial expressions, and they play off each other and to the audience with experienced finesse. One request: the slapstick scene needs to be a little less cautious - we want the gunge to go in somebody's face, please!

The Slave of the Ring and the Genie of the Lamp are also excellent. Perfect contrasts, they work well both as a pair and individually. Kali Peacock's humour is so natural as she performs the glitzy, blond Slave of the Ring, always entering the stage to the sound of running footsteps that she can never quite synchronise herself with. Stuart Pendred looms menacingly on his stilts as the austere genie of the lamp, whose deep voice echoes around the auditorium; as he grants wishes, fire shoots from his fingertips. I could go on, but really, the whole cast are excellent. The bad guys are bad, the good guys are good and the lovers in love (aaaaaaahhh). Backed by the colourful and ever-changing set, their teamwork ensures that there is never a dull moment.

Aladdin is a show for the whole family. The songs are drawn from children's cartoons, recent chart hits and old musical favourites; everybody should be able to find something they can sing along to. And while you jig in your seat, the actors perform wonderfully varied dance routines on stage. It is a shame that the main audience-participation number is so very nonsensical and tuneless, but this doesn't stop you bellowing it out anyway! The programme is packed with games that will vex the minds of young and old alike. And parents, guard your wallets - Wishee Washee's gift shop lurks in the foyer, packed with sparkling temptations. Colourful, well thought out, well produced and superbly performed, Aladdin is a first rate example of the great pantomime tradition. Buy your tickets now; whoever you are, you will find something to entertain you.

Emily Wood, 2 / 12 / 00