Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs – Bradford Alhambra

The annual Alhambra pantomime is always enjoyable, that's something you can rely on as you settle into your seat.

You're going to laugh your socks off at the antics of Billy Pearce even if many of his jokes are the same as last year.

You're going to thrill to the big special effects, tap along to the catchy pop tunes, boo the villain and laugh some more at the inventive comedy set-pieces.

So, with the main components present and correct, and a good time had by all, it seems petty to say I didn't enjoy it as much as usual.

It's not just because Snow White has one of the weakest panto plots - there have been cracking Snow Whites at the Alhambra in previous years.

But this time the dwarfs – given proper characters and central roles in previous Alhambra Snow Whites – had about ten minutes stage time and weren't real dwarfs, they were guys shuffling around on knees.

On the plus side, there's lots of hilarity, the flying scenes are breathtaking, Jenny Gayner and Adam Stafford are terrific as the wicked queen and dame, and X Factor star Joe McElderry charms as the Man in the Mirror.

Snow White runs until January 25. Visit bradford-theatres.co.uk or call 01274 432000 to book tickets.

David Knights