Goldilocks And The Three Bears, Darlington Hippodrome

'Welcome to the greatest show on Earth,' proclaimed the banner above the stage at Darlington Hippodrome for the start of this year's pantomime, which is very loosely based on the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears mixed with a knowing nod to The Greatest Showman and Barnum musicals. While it might not entirely be the greatest pantomime you will ever see, this is still one that deserves young and old taking a ringside seat.

After the spectacular opening sequence, you might have been inclined to think that they had used up the whole budget for the panto in the first five minutes of the opening, which was worthy of a West End show. On the contrary, the lion's share (if you will pardon the pun) of the dosh in this circus-based extravaganza seemed to have gone on the outfits of Dame Betty Barnum (Jamie Jones), whose many lavish costumes designed by Teresa Nalton and Mike Coltman became more outrageous every time she appeared on stage.

Jones played the owner of Barnum's circus with a steely edge, loveable yet vulnerable when the prospect of the circus being taken over by the evil and conniving Baron Von Bolshoi (Brendan Cole) was planned.

With a twinkle in his toes and evil in his heart, the Strictly Come Dancing star brilliantly played the Panto baddie. The opportunity to showcase his dancing skills was never lost; from a Riverdance sequence to a Latin American cha-cha, he easily would have been awarded the golden ten points on Strictly. Credit also to the six dancers who appeared in almost every other scene; never have I witnessed a dance troupe be featured so many times in a panto – and so successfully too.

From making his initial entrance onto the stage by way of a series of cartwheels, Joey, the Clown (Josh Benson), had the audience in the palm of his hand. Benson is fast becoming the regular buffoon in the Darlington Panto; making his third appearance, the Yorkshire comedian had some of the best jokes and one-liners of the production, and his rapport with the audience was genuine. Look out too for his high-wire act, which struck a fine balance in the proceedings.

Goldilocks (Taziva-Faye Katsande) brought a touch of innocence and charm to the stage, though it might have been a wise choice to use her commanding vocals a touch more.

The three bears, Daddy (Jonny Weston), Mummy (Christina Berriman Dawson) and Baby (Jessica Daugirda), were asked if they were polar bears. Of course they weren’t – they were Darlo Bears!

What would a circus be without a juggling act? El Mariachi Marquez (Gordon Marquez) amazed the audience with his perfect timing. His act fitted in perfectly with what is a traditional panto – there are no special effects; instead, routines such as The Twelve Days of Christmas, which came with plenty of audience participation, are so tried and tested it would be foolish not to include them.

Written by Alan McHugh with additional material by Benson and Matt Slack (the West Midlands comedian who is a mainstay in the Birmingham Hippodrome pantomime), the classic tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, in essence, is really about the Three Bears going to the circus; in true panto tradition, anything can happen – oh yes it can!

A few more up-to-date chart songs (which the younger members of the audience would have known) might have been a good idea to include; instead, the Donna Summer track, Hot Stuff – with a new lyric fitted around the pantomime – appeared to be there to appeal to the mums and dads.

The lightning designed by Chris Barrett was bright and colourful, adding to this dazzling, entertaining and laugh-a-minute pantomime. A bearable feast and a treat for the whole family.

Runs until Wednesday, 31st December

www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk