'A funny and impressive Christmas panto' - even if the lead actress did break her leg

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Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without a good old fashioned pantomime and the season got off to a cracking start with Theatr Clwyd's production of Dick Whittington.

Although a traditional show the cast made plenty of references to modern day life and the town of Mold in particular and features the welcome return of Phylip Harries as Dame.

He's been absent the past couple of years and while the Dames have been extremely good, he does stand out as one of the best around.

As Sarah the Cook appears in some fabulous dresses and delivers some hilarious ad-libs and his handling of the audience is spot on.

I'm sure Kevin in particular must rue the day he bought seats in the front row.

The rapport between the cast is obvious – they're having a whale of a time, and so do the audience on the opening night of the show.

Well-wishers typically say 'Break a leg' to performers before they go on stage to perform. It's an ironic way to wish good luck although the origin of the phrase remains obscure.

Unfortunately any expressions of good fortune didn't work for leading lady Emmy Stonelake who suffered a bad leg injury during a rehearsal.

She was replaced, at very short notice, by assistant director Francesca Goodridge.

She had an excellent show and earned a well deserved round of applause at the end from both the audience and her fellow cast members.

Christian Patterson’s script is a mixture of originality, double entendres and groan-worthy gags and while some of the lines are risque at best they are not overly smutty.

An unusual feature of Theatr Clwyd pantomimes is that the cast also play instruments and most are on stage throughout either singing or playing guitar, keyboards, saxophones or trumpet.

Royce Cronin, as King Rhydian the Rat makes a hissable villain and Anna Westlake is a glittering, rhyme speaking, no-nonsense Fairy Betty Bowbells.

Dick Whittington is played by the affable Irishman Peter Cooney while Lynwen Haf Roberts, who made a fantastic villain in last year's production and returns this year as Sultana.

In addition to the live cast the contribution of Brian and Brenda the badgers and assorted rats and mice are very funny.

The set makes full use of the large Theatr Clwyd stage and combined with the lighting and sound design is particularly impressive. Full use is made of the auditorium too by director Zoe Waterman.

In short - a rollicking traditional panto.

Dick Whittington - The Puuurfect Rock 'n' Roll Panto runs until January 19. Tickets available online or the Box Office on 01352 701521.