A huge, lifelike Genie, a flying carpet and a wickedly good impression of Tina Turner can only mean one thing: pantomime is back in Colne – oh yes, it is!

In a well-rehearsed show that has colourful costumes, sumptuous backdrops, a cast that works well together, and jokes that are for both young and old, Shone Productions has delivered a panto that will cast away any pre-Christmas blues.

The production has already visited Middleton over the festive period, which probably goes a long way to explaining why the show is perfectly timed and the eleven-strong cast so comfortable in their roles.

Within the first five minutes of the Panto opening, the audience was given a taste of the 6-7 meme, which is popular with youngsters at the moment, while older members were reminded of the distractions of Burnley and Blackburn, all courtesy of Callum Arnott, who played the devilishly rogue Abanazar with a wicked glint in his eyes and added a menacing charm.

Craig Colley excelled as Dame Betty Bon Bon, with colourful costumes to match; the jokes were risqué, with the innuendo leaving older members of the audience to join up the dots, not forgetting a hilarious Tina Turner impression that came totally out of the blue.

Chris Johnson is fast becoming Colne’s festive funny man, having appeared in the town’s panto in previous years. As Billy, the daft-as-a-brush son of Dame Betty, his comic timing was perfect, with his instant rapport with the audience a joy.

Ricky Groves, in his role as the King, introduced a more theatrical element to the proceedings. His reserved and respectful demeanour was almost undermined by the tongue-twisting "Shirley Shaw's sushi-selling sisters" routine. Even if you have seen the sketch many times, it always seems funny; similarly, the ghost scene provides an opportunity to shout out “it’s behind you”; however, in this version of the Aladdin story, the ghost is replaced by an arm-waving mummy!

Tom Senta played Aladdin with an innocent, boyish charm, while Ruby Millard played Princess Jasmine, who was as sweet as the confectionery sold in Dame Betty Bon Bon’s sweet shop. Her version of the Becky Hill/David Guetta track, Remember, was one of the highlights of the show.

Lucy Samuels as the Spirit of the Ring marvelled with fine renditions of, among others, Jess Glynne’s Hold My Hand, now re-titled aptly Here in Pantoland.

If you want to see a pantomime that blends panto charm with comedy that is old and new, has you guessing what comes next, and is delivered by a talented cast, then look no further than this entertaining show—where all your wishes may come true, including an adult-only version on Friday, January 16th!

Runs until Sunday 18th January

https://www.themuni.co.uk/genre/pantomime/