Nearly a century ago, Alhambra audiences gasped with delight as Peter Pan flew across the stage, using the relatively new Victorian harness technique.

We now live in a world of computer-generated action, but if last night's audience was anything to go by, on-stage flying continues to delight.

With sword-fighting pirates, flying children and a galleon sailing out to sea, this a traditional panto with 21st century touches - from a pantomime sheepdog to a roller-skating Tinkerbell.

Unusually, it was low-key to start with, opening in the Darlings' Edwardian nursery, but when the action moved to Neverland there was an eruption of colour and energy.

With stunning sets and costumes, polished dances, sword fights, starlit flying scenes and a gripping sea battle, the show raced along.

From the minute Alhambra stalwart Billy Pearce, as Mr Smee, bounded on to the stage he had the packed audience in his grip, fearlessly throwing himself into his stunts.

With enough energy to fuel Bradford's Christmas lights, flawless comic timing and a heart-melting charm, he's a gem.

Peter Blake was terrific, going from bumbling Mr Darling to a bone-chilling Captain Hook, and Rhoda Montemayor was a delightful Pan.

Jodie Jackson won the audience's hearts as a funny, contemporary, petulant Tinkerbell and Roni Elizabeth Hart was delightfully sassy as Tiger Lily, a no-nonsense Red Indian princess. Special mention too to the Acromaniacs and the Sunbeams from the Sara Packham Theatre School.

A not-to-be-missed festive treat.