THE ROCK ‘n’ roll panto is not a concept I have come across before but what I experienced was a pleasant surprise. The relatively small cast have to be very talented as they need not only to sing, dance and act but also play an instrument.

The pantomime is a nice blend between a traditional pantomime and a rock concert and the hard-working cast are on stage for most the performance – if they aren’t singing a song or delivering lines to move the story along they are rocking out in the band.

This City Varieties pantomime never takes itself too seriously, although it seems to be aimed at an older audience – some of the jokes are very close to the bone but luckily for this reviewer my five-year-old daughter didn't register them.

Simon Nock as Sarah the Cook is a likeable damn and she plays a mean sax, and Billy Bungalow (Kenny Davies) gives the show’s first half a truly laugh-out-loud moment with his rat basher.

Alice (Liz Singleton) and Dick (Tom Milner) are a perfectly-cast principal girl and boy who suit this style of pantomime, all the time supported by a strong cast who give their all.

If you like to rock out to classic rock, pop and soul hits all the way back to the 60s and through to some modern songs, then Dick Whittington has it all.

It also gives the traditional pantomime a refreshing new twist.

Comedy and music will continue at Leeds City Varieties as it launches its New Year season.

Stand-up comics include Simon Amsetell (February 11), Stephen K Amos (February 25), Lee Nelson (April 10) and Richard Herring (May 9), and there are also rock musician Nils Lofgren (January 22), folk-rockers Fairport Convention (February 17) and 60s band The Searchers (April 24).

* Dick Whittington runs until January 11. Visit cityvarieties.co.uk or call 0113 2430808.

Dean Harness