Aladdin The Musical, Burdock Valley Players, Upper Clatford Village Hall

UPPER Clatford is hanging out lanterns and dragons to celebrate the panto season Chinese-style.

Jokes and special effects abound, but music is this show's main feature.

A classy vocal trio, the "Aladdinettes," provides superb backing throughout, while the dancers delight everyone with their mysterious Laundry dance and the Ballet of the Jewels.

The undoubted star of this show is Louise Ray (Aladdin), who also provides the choreography.

Louise led the singing and acting in great good-humoured style, carrying the young audience so much that they were audibly upset when she was shut in the cave by a wonderfully wicked Abanazer (Martin Gillott).

There are engaging performances from all the young actors, especially So-shy (Emma Lawman), the Slave of the Ring (Chloe Black) and the Princess (Lauren Collicott-Szrama.)

Perhaps the show was slightly too long for the youngest audience members.

Otherwise, this is lively entertainment which includes something for parents as well.