Lavish production with lots of laughs

Theatre Royal Wakefield

Until January 2. Box office: 01924 211311.

A SPRINKLE of fairydust must have swept over the stage at Theatre Royal Wakefield, as this year’s pantomime is truly magical.

As our heroine Bella celebrates her birthday by falling in love with a handsome Prince – little does she know her days are numbered.

But true love, friendship, and a surprise showing by a childhood pet thwart the evil Narcissus’s plan.

This year’s production seemed more lavish than ever with beautiful, imaginative sets, including a moving staircase, wonderful costumes and fantastic choreography and music.

But as ever, with the theatre’s pantomime, the comic performances made the show a delight.

Chris Hannon as Dolly Mixture was outstanding, but had such good rapport with the others, particularly Gavin Spokes as Jake and John Griffiths as the King, that he didn’t steal the limelight.

You know a good panto when the cast seem to have as much fun as the audience, and in this case, it came in bounds.

LINDSAY PANTRY