“GIVE it everything you’ve got”, says the bloke in a dress onstage as the show begins and that is exactly what the cast do in this high spirited pantomime for all the family to enjoy. 

Nonstop singing, dancing and silly jokes keep the audience entertained as the story of the sleeping princess and the spinning wheel takes place in a colourful palace full of fun. 

Stevi Richie is in the leading role of Chester the Jester who keeps the action going throughout this high energy show where the audience are encouraged to join in – and of course they do. 

Local singing star Charlotte Allen is in fine form as the beautiful Princess Aurora who is loved by Prince William of Portland – yes really – while the wicked witch is brilliantly portrayed by Harriet Bacon who pulls no punches when it comes to being very naughty. 

As the story develops, so do the songs with A Kind of Magic, Time Warp, and Sweet Caroline just a few of the hits that the cast perform along with a collection of dodgy jokes and an inevitable mention of the World Cup – perhaps the less said about that the better! 

Another highlight of the show are the special effects that appear when the audience wear give-away goggles to view ghostly three dimensional images that are definitely different. 

With a star performance by the Dame, Chris Casserly, who never misses an opportunity to make everyone laugh, this is a panto that makes Christmas a magical family occasion.

The show continues at the Weymouth Pavilion until Monday, January 2.