Of the many pantos I’ve attended down through the years, this was the first time I’d seen ‘The Little Mermaid’ given the full glitzy treatment. Needless to say, fans of fish-based puns certainly weren’t left feeling short-changed. Once again – for the 19th time – the extraordinary force-of-nature that is Danny Adams was the star of the show, but, once again, he was ably supported by a cast that dovetailed perfectly for an uproarious production full of big laughs. The newcomers also acquitted themselves with aplomb and they included Maggie Lynne in the titular role, and, pleased to report, she was equally adept at handling the stunts and the songs as she was the slapstick. Dame extraordinaire Chris Hayward made for a memorable Sea Witch (booo!) and got to wear this year’s best outfits including a fantastical spider-like get-up, which – thanks to some clever special effects – expanded right across the stage in a manner that would’ve given Tim Burton nightmares. (A word too for the Sea Witch’s hench-lasses played by Kylie Ann Ford and Christina Berriman Dawson – enormous fun as usual.) Joe McElderry got to show off his big voice and was very game when it came to handling his innuendo-laden banter with Adams (and, yes, if you’re wondering, the “sucking a fisherman’s friend” gag was dutifully wheeled out). The gang are back next year for their 20th anniversary show (‘Aladdin’) and tickets are already flying out for that one. I’m not surprised.

Robert Meddes

‘The Little Mermaid’ runs until 12 January 2025.