At three hours five minutes this was the longest pantomime I've seen in 26 years as a reviewer.

Amazingly it didn't drag too much, even with a messy plot that bore little resemblance to the traditional Snow White story.

That the show was so enjoyable was thanks mostly to the many chorus highlights and three sparkling principal actors.

The all-child cast, many of them first-time performers, soon got Monday's small opening-night audience on their side.

James Heseltine was fantastic and frenetic as Boobs, one of the scraggiest dames ever to strut a stage.

Tamara Swan and Naiomi Gott were terrific as the crowd-pleasing Billy and Tiggles, growing in confidence and liveliness as the evening went on.

The rest of the principals acquitted themselves well but on this first night some were tentative and needed a little more fizz.

The large chorus of mainly young children were a joy, bursting with cuteness and thoroughly enjoying themselves.

They didn't dance much but nicely sang a succession of tracks by the likes of Queen and Robbie Williams.

The kids were supported by an excellent trio of girls who made up the Principal Chorus, Natasha Bowers, Nicole Walton and Selina Pickles.

With fun musical numbers, a vibrant flying ballet and a great circus sequence this was an entertaining village panto.

* Until Saturday, phone 01535 633702.

David Knights