IN an otherwise traditional version of the pantomime Aladdin, CATS went with the growing trend of casting a male actor, not a principal boy, as Aladdin; Russell Haugh rose to the occasion, charismatic, cheeky and charming, with a good singing voice, very good rapport with the audience and a delightful partnership with the cutest, most mischievous monkey (Ellie Wort).

Generally needing more pace and energy overall, partnerships within the panto were its greatest strength, particularly Ping (Steve Davis) and Pong (Graham Stenson) who had great poise and comic timing, creating terrific panto characters. Tracy Davis (Scarpa) and Lauren Bennett (Makeshift), and Natalie Pasotti (Soapsy) and Jaz Halstead (Sudsy) were another impressive pair of comedy double-acts, well matched in abilities and styles, while Alan Catt (Abanazar) was sufficiently menacing as the arch-villain.

Penny Cannons (Wishy) was terrific, comically and musically adept, and adapted perfectly to the lovely scene-stealing twoyear- old James from the audience!