Saturday night was party night at Oakworth Methodist Church as panto week came to a triumphant end.

The church was packed, as it had been during every performance, for the story of the famous 40 Thieves.

Only this was a special night, with lots of "hello mum!" moments as the cast played to an audience dominated by their families.

As a result, watching this production felt like meeting old friends, even though I haven't seen an Oakworth panto for donkey's years.

The show, performed entirely by children and teenagers, was a warm, frothy and enjoyable experience in intimate - in other words packed -- surroundings.

The production -- directed and choreographed by Judith Chapman, devised and produced by David Howarth -- was full of imagination.

The first half whizzed by with a pace, energy and hilarity some other local panto producers should envy.

And the second half was tremendous: every song, dance and routine, right up to the irresistible double-finale, a highlight. Every performer acted loudly and clearly, but surprisingly most of the principals came across as a little wooden.

This certainly wasn't through lack of effort, for every one of them was clearly giving their all, and their singing was confident and often very good.

No problems however for the four hapless thieves, Alice Chapman, Natasha Wrathall, Luke Ferry and Stuart Hopper, who were lively and believable.

Frances Wrathall was the Oakworth dame for the first time but with her spirit and singing ability the part fitted her like a glittering glove.

Harriet Shires was more than a match for her as an audience-pleasing sidekick with irrepressible energy and expert comic timing.

I also liked Rob Green as a forceful baddie, and Annabelle Allan as evil immortal Avarice.

David Knights