There is much to enjoy in George Critchley's pantomime at the Municipal Hall. It is bright, fresh and inventive and it has George Critchley. His Muddles character is a gem – a lovable Beano-type character with instant kiddy appeal and a Lancashire birth certificate to boot.

Amy Nolan, representing the second generation of the singing family, makes an attractive and gentle Snow White. Her mother Ann Nolan is clearly enjoying herself as the Wicked Queen.

Playing Ramsbottom, the queen's evil/good henchman, John Hickey is an excellent foil for all the main characters. The seven dwarfs are played with utter charm by young members of the Susan Chippendale Dancers. They have Hovis advert accents, voiced over by older members of the cast, and they move like cartoon figures. Memorable characters without being overly cute. Never content to repeat favourite comedy routines verbatim, Critchley dips them in new paint. This is his second panto as producer, co-writer and performer and he is fast becoming a local institution.

The Stage