Four Dames and a Panto, Proteus, at Central Studio, Basingstoke, Until November 27

I FELT five years old at Central Studio, thanks to the wonderfully-universal Christmas production from Proteus theatre Company, Four Dames and a Panto.

An enchanting, vigorously-performed delight, it allowed both children and adults to partake in some serious fun as we explored the traditions of pantomime together.

The four dames in question were Widow Twankey from Aladdin (Steev Cornwall), Sarah the Cook from Dick Whittington (Alison Fitzjohn), Dame Trott from Jack and the Beanstalk (Gerald Fox), and Obnoxia the Ugly Sister from Cinderella (Penny McDonald).

As the cast came on stage one by one, the instant giggles from the small children present were a delight to hear. Having interviewed them in their civilian clothing previously, it was a real shock to witness them here dressed up to the nines with wigs and tights and rosy cheeks.

Penny, in particular, looked like some fabulous '80s Toyah Wilcox-type scarlet-haired vision, complete with deliciously sparkly lips.

On a small platform stage, using only the bare minimum of props, they led us through routines such as the parcel trick, the drink of truth and the magic hat, as well as bouncing off each other beautifully with jokes and trying to gain the attention of the audience.

During Sarah the Cook's disastrous rabbit pie episode, wherein a bunny could be spotted at the back of the stage, I was practically jumping up and down in my seat, biting back the phrase, "It's behind you!".

But later in the show, I actually got my chance to do just that, only shouting "sprout", "jelly" and "mustard" instead, as part of the hilarious Sprout Song.

The performances here were so enthused as to make total involvement in what was happening inevitable.

There was an infectious warmth which came from seeing James Barry's taut, funny script performed by such great characters in a lovely space such as Central Studio - everyone who left was certainly beaming from ear to ear.

Four Dames is Mark Helyar's last show as artistic director before he heads off on foreign travel. Present on the evening flanked by his parents, he should have been a very proud man indeed.

Four Dames and a Panto is on tour in December and January. For more details on when it will be popping back to the local area, log on to www.proteustheatre.com or call 01256