KEIGHLEY Amateurs did themselves and the audience proud with this year’s panto and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

The show got off to a great start with the chorus singing and dancing to the ELO hit Mr Blue Skies which sets the joyous tone of the show and prepared us for some really excellent and creative dancing throughout.

There were 30 boys and girls in the chorus but they moved about the stage full of confidence and smiling throughout – not always the case in amateur shows.

The Dame and Jimmy bounced off each other beautifully, and Bertie and Sammy, the Ogre’s henchmen, were a great double act although perhaps they could have been a bit more stupid.

The Squire was excellent although judging by the fairly limited number of “boos” from the audience could have been a little more evil, but I like my bad guys to be really bad guys!

Fairy Starlight had a lovely light touch and Jack and Sue, the Squire’s beautiful daughter, were everyone’s perfect heroes.

The costumes were stunning.

The sound and effects people were brilliant and didn’t miss one of their umpteen cues, whilst the orchestra played their hearts out.

My favourite bits? Jesse the cow, of course, who rolled her eyes and kicked buckets over with aplomb and the ogre who plodded around the stage with style. The caterpillar can-can and the tinies luminous dance number were awesome.

If I am being critical I would say it ran a tad too long, and the short strobe sequence was unnecessary, but overall a wonderful afternoon, made perfect because I won the raffle! But even if you don’t win the raffle you will have a hugely enjoyable show.

* Until Saturday, Victoria Hall. Visit keighleyamateurs.com or call 08456 252550 to book tickets.

Martin Carr