MIDDLESBROUGH Theatre stages pantos that put many loftier venues to shame and Extravaganza Productions Aladdin provides further proof of that fact.

It's not the biggest, nor the grandest of locations, but it has a huge heart and is imbued with the same community spirit the town itself possesses.

That warmth and generosity of spirit seems to seep into the cast on the stage and is then reciprocated by those sat in the seats they face.

Take Saturday's performance of the age old Middle Eastern tale of love, sorcery and Eastenders references.

It might not have been the most polished of shows, it might not have been most spectacular but it was the best laugh I've had with my mother-in-law and two kids for a long time. (That sounded much better in my head!)

Starring Ricky Groves (Abanazer) and Shaun Prendergast (Widow Twanky) of the aforementioned BBC soap, alongside Hollyoaks' Andy Moss in the lead role, it was two hours of unbridled fun.

Like most shows of this ilk these days, the traditional tale is purely a structural support for all manner of other madcap mayhem, most of which was provided by the effervescent Widow and her amiable son Wishee 'Now Then Boro!' Washee (Scott Gallagher).

The pair clearly have a ball of a time playing opposite each other and such is their camaraderie that even when the dialogue hits the buffers they have the presence of mind to come up with the kind of witty improv that ensures the audience remains well and truly onside.

Ask the mums who stole the show, though, and they will undoubtedly have but one answer - the Genie of the lamp.

Chidi Ajufo is a towering presence in many respects and with the female members of the audience having laid eyes on his rippling physique it wasn't just Aladdin making a wish. And when he started playing with his ball, well...

But this show was a team effort and it would be remiss to finish without mentioning the vocal talents of Eva Crawford (Princess Balroubadour) and Lucia Matisse (Genie of the Ring), the dancing prowess of the Extravaganza Dancers, the noble presence of Terry Ashe (Emperor of China) and all those who went unnoticed behind the scenes.

Aladdin runs until Sunday, January 8. For more details, call the Box Office on 01642-815181.

Matt Westcott