The Pantomime Company's annual show is a post-Christmas treat. A spectacular of music and dance, with dazzling sets, and costumes to die for. This Aladdin has it all in spades.

I shudder to think how much a production on this scale costs, but one thing you can't buy is the sense of fun – clearly evident amongst the performers, and which transfers itself across the footlights to the audience.

The gags are corny – it's panto, after all – but the set routines never get in the way of the storytelling.

Musical arrangements are by Steve Sanders, and The Cave of Wonders jewel ballet set to Bond themes was particularly effective, teamed with the excellent choreography of Carol Whitmore, whose dancers never put a foot out of place, not even the tiniest terpsichore.

Matt Wilson was an athletic Aladdin, and Jeremy Holt had great presence as Abanazar. Craig Martin made for an hilarious Wishee Washee, his comedic timing was spot on, and Phil Bevington got it just right as a Peter Kay/Les Dawson-esque Widow Twankey.

The speciality act was famed ringmaster Norman Barrett (The Emperor of China) and his feathered friends, some very cheeky, chirpy performing budgies. The panto is packed with stunning effects – a magic carpet, hectic rickshaw ride, a very convincing elephant, even a kung-fu panda!

So, who puts all this together? Producer, director, set and costume designer, wardrobe manager, scenery painter and programme compiler, John Hill. No magic lamp required, just pure genie-us!