Waterside Theatre Company, Waterside Theatre, Holbury

THE star of this panto is, unsurprisingly, a grandfather clock - and yes, a mouse does run up it at the stroke of one.

A lot else besides happens in this lesser-known, cleverly staged panto.

Several characters follow Mary and David to Neptune's kingdom under the sea to recover a jewel. If successful they could clear all Dame Foxtrot's debts and make everyone happy.

However, the Wizard of Bong and the Black Imp hinder them in their mission.

Mature, comedic fairies were fun as were the two fall-guys, Slap and Tickle. Seaweed and jellyfish danced under the sea and the villagers danced in the square. Duets, one by the Dame and Willie, and one by the Wizard and the Black Imp, were the icing on the cake of a musically very strong and entertaining panto.