This Christmas combination of pantomime and circus seems to come round quicker every year but, since the summer show ended and the winter one began, the orchestra has gone leaving just drummer Stuart Reynolds and a pre-recorded soundtrack.

Not only that but most of the vocals and voices have a decidedly American (and loud) twang to them - which jars with the very British nature of the story - but clearly doesn’t bother the youngsters in the audience.

Even star clown Mooky has taken more of a back seat, although his eventual arrival in the circus ring in the unlikely and soon abandoned role of Mad Hatter sees him greeted like a returning hero by his huge fan base.

The winter show has always been an odd fusion - a token nod to whatever this year’s subject matter is before the proceedings are handed over to speciality acts.

So Alice (Kelly Endresz Banlaki) barely has time to vanish down the rabbit hole before the Queen of Hearts (Shelly Cinaglee) is commanding, “Let the circus commence” and the performers are showcased tumbling, balancing, spinning, roller skating and hula hooping in a mini Britain’s Got Talent-style section before the inevitable water finale.

Local dance youngsters flesh things out and the costumes are the best in years.