THE first thing that strikes you is how popular this annual event by a troupe of the North-East’s top clubland comedians has become.

The theatre was full of children and older people up for a good time from the off.

Despite being in the shadow of the Theatre Royal, over the past six years Brendan Healy, Maxi Peters and Billy Mitchell have established a hugely popular event, and deservedly so, because it is a funny, highly-professional pantomime in the traditional form.

Billy Mitchell (Baron Hardup) may be small of stature, but he gives a performance a seasoned thespian would be proud of. Imagine then the revelation of his new bride Cissy – all six feet four of her, played by the wonderful Brendan Healy.

I’m a massive fan of Big Bren because he’s so funny. His daughters, Ugly Sharon (Kevin O’Keefe) and Ugly Tracy (Maxi Peters), make a wonderful entrance to Girls Aloud’s Here Come The Girls and their meanness to Cinderella ensured the kids hung on their every word.

A strong supporting cast comprised Catherine MacCabe (Cinderella), Jennifer Wren (Prince Charming), Jane Holman (Fairy Godmother) Christina Berriman-Dawson (Dandini) and Charlie Richmond as Buttons.

Good set changes, outrageous costumes, backing dancers whose wide range included ballet and Charleston routines, and a funny script that carried the story along at a cracking pace, made this a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

■ Until January 3. Box Office: 0870-145-1200

Ed Waugh