HUSBAND and wife team Sam Kane and Linda Lusardi first met in pantomime at Darlington, and say that they have a special affection for the Civic Theatre.

The couple are good entertainment value: they look good, with Linda sporting a series of glamorous gowns in her role as wicked fairy Carabosse; and the easy rapport they have brings lovely warm humour to the proceedings.

Our very own local celebrity Zoe Birkett shines as Princess Beauty, her lovely smile and beautiful singing voice giving her handsome Prince, appealingly played by Will Tudor, a run for his money.

Plenty of fun for the children from Philip Meeks as Nurse Dolly and Andy Jones as Muddles, neither of whom have to try too hard to get their young audience onside.

I think that’s the secret that makes this panto so very enjoyable; the cast members are focusing on entertaining the audience rather than banging their own drum, as we see some pantomime celebrities doing.

Magician Philip Hitchcock as King Stephan gives Carabosse a taste of her own medicine and provides some entertaining illusions involving real white doves. I checked with younger members of the audience and it’s not just oldfashioned me; they too were delighted with this brand of magic.

The young dancers from Joanne Banks are smiling and professional and clearly welltaught and well rehearsed, and add greatly to the family feeling of this show, which has glamour and sparkle along with fun and laughter for adults and children alike.

A true family pantomime, the best I’ve seen for years.

  •  Until January 20. Box office 01325-486555 and darlington arts.co.uk