Aladdin belts along at pace

After 20 years it's hard to think of anything new to say about the Keighley Amateurs pantomime.

It's consistently excellent: lively, polished, colourful, entertaining, with rarely a foot wrong and frequently an impressive moment.

Audiences come back year after year because they know they're going to get everything they want from a family show.

The past three years have been more enjoyable than ever before thanks to minor changes to freshen up the well-worn traditions.

Most noticeable this year is a poppier selection of songs, and boys joining the children's chorus for the first time.

The casting is commendable with familiar faces in roles that make the most of their individual talents.

As a result we have Steven Clark and Peter Whitley as a dame and sidekick that would shame many a professional production.

We have Rachel McMahon as an effervescent principal boy and Anthony Waddington clowning around as the chief of police.

And we have Lynsey Whittham, so good in last year's State Fair at Bingley, as a princess who blends sweetness with steel.

Long-time Keighley Amateurs member Dale Chadwick steps out as the villain for the first time and makes a fine job of it.

Aladdin belts along at a swift pace, but the first half is still about a quarter of an hour too long for young children in the audience.

The highlights include hilarious comedy routines, delightful dancing, strong singing by the principals, and bumbling by the Chinese policemen.

The costumes are a particular delight, especially in the cave scene, and the children's mimed performance of a Chinese legend is well-staged.

* Tonight and tomorrow 7.15pm, tomorrow 2.15pm. Phone 01535 652547.

David Knights