SNOW White by Tom Rolfe Productions, billed as an Easter pantomime, had professional actors, notably Asa Elliot from the TV show, Benidorm, and local children from the Crash, Bang Wallop Theatre Company.

With all the fun and expectations of a traditional pantomime, but none of the boring bits, it was a delight from start to finish – fresh, funny, fast-paced, with a modern twist, yet a magical Disney-like quality.

It enthralled young and old with its energy and humour.

Traditional scenery with painted forests and castles gave it a fairyland quality. Phil Beck, as the Wicked Queen, had children booing straight away. Beautiful Snow White, played by Naomi Fox, looking exactly like the Disney original, won the audience from the start.

It was the entrance of Double Trouble, Muddles and Odd Job, played by Damian Patton and Tom Rolfe, also the writer, director and producer, who held the show together with their slapstick quick-fire humour, inoffensive rudeness and engagement with the young audience.

They had the children jumping in their seats and shouting out each time they appeared.

The success of the show was the combination of excellent tongue-in-cheek acting along with a clever script and highly creative comedy moments.

There was a ludicrous magic show, a clever word-play sketch using the names of famous chocolates, and best of all, the famous song: "If I was not in pantomime, something else I’d rather be,” with Double Trouble and the Prince doing an almost impossible slapstick sketch that required impeccable timing with some very dodgy moments, which had the audience in stitches.

The Prince role in pantomime always seems bland, but Asa Elliot made it his own. Standing alone he began to sing his love song to Snow White as Double Trouble wreaked havoc on stage and among the audience with water and toilet paper pistols. But he continued to sing to the end no matter what was happening in front of him.

Dwarf costumes were delightful, with full masks and traditional clothes. They used gestures to show who was talking with voices performed by Drew Cameron. Co-ordination and timing was laudable from such young children.

All credit goes to 25-year-old Rolfe for his vision and skill, refreshing approach to pantomime and for making it an excellent night out for the very young and the young at heart.

Jan Hunter