Watching George Critchley entertain the good folk of Colne is a heart-warming experience – they love him. They will just about tolerate the Chinese Policeman bashing him with a truncheon but said policeman ought not go too far.

This year's Aladdin is a typical Critchley pantomime. There is a zest, vigour, a sparky mix of traditional and new material and a quality cast. Plus there is Critchley, who also produces, co-writes and plays Wishee Washee. The players are clearly having a whale of a time. They have a deliciously wacky plot that has been turned on its head but is still recognisable.

Playing Aladdin is the utterly delightful Laura Harrison. She lacks the strapping thighs of a typical principal boy and only has a suggestion of tomboyishness but she has enthusiasm, sincerity and a terrific voice. Also blessed with terrific tonsils is Yildiz Hussein who plays the Princess "whose name shall not be spoken".

The songs are joyfully sung and the dancing is sharp. The slapstick is sweetly timed and the verbal comedy is a constant tonic. It is good to see Stevie Smallwood, a fine comic actor, back in a Colne panto. He plays the genie and is a comic gem.The Stage