It is 21 years since Pantoni first presented pantomime at Yeovil, and Ben Langley’s fifth year in succession starring there, and this was a joyous production where the whole cast appeared to be having fun, and so did a packed house.

Ben Langley is the ideal panto comic, one of the best I’ve ever seen, and how the audience loved him. A terrific performer.

And he is well supported by an outstanding cast, from the experienced Bobby Bennett as a motherly DameTrott who is a master of comedy and pathos, and the villainous Charlotte Milchard who milked the boos for all she was worth.

A likeable King, Philip Herbert, a lovely Princess, Jennifer Hilton with a great singing voice, a truly creepy Fleshcreep, doubling up as the fearsome giant, Oliver Broad and a feisty fairy, Lizzie Frances all kept the panto spirit alive with great performances.

And the Rita Proctor Dancers, the Teensteppers and the Helen Laxton Juveniles really sparkled in some great dance routines with such verve and attack that enhanced the whole production.

Mention must be made of David Lee’s original songs, perfect for this panto and worthy of a West End Musical. Well dressed, with great lighting by Rob Sinnick, and in spite of the lack of a fly tower, imaginative and well staged scenery.

In over 50 years of being associated with pantomimes, I’ve seldom seen a better one.