IT’s panto time again in Blackwood and as usual Blackwood Little Theatre have excelled themselves with this two and a half hour extravaganza.

Directed by Neil Maidman, Mother Goose has something for all the family, with its endless stream of jokes, dancing, singing and witty repartee.

The script by Graham J. Evans is very well-written, with lots of up-to-date references to boy bands etc, and there is never a dull moment on stage!

The cast are far too numerous to mention each member, but there are extra special performances form Shelley Bethan Morgan as Jack, Tim Bennett as the very Silly Billy, Katie Phillips as the Goose Girl and Gareth Price Stephens, as Demon Sly, who all the children love to boo and hiss!

More than 20 of the Younger Generation, Blackwood Little Theatre’s youth members, are also taking part, and are well-rehearsed in both their lines and their energetic dance routines. Two of the girls Rachel Parry and Ellie Prosser are hidden for the duration as they are playing the very tall Priscilla the Goose, but they give her a lovely comic feel with her hilarious body language.

Graham Harrison is also very entertaining as the Squire Grabitall, and he is especially funny when together with the essential panto dame Mother Goose, played by Steve Dobson.

There is lots of opportunity for audience participation, especially with Gary and Larry – played by Trevor Howlett and Graham J. Evans – and the scene where their eject the ‘worst singers in the audience’ from the auditorium leads to lots of laughter.

As expected the behind the scenes team have also been hard at work, and have produced a set and costumes of which they should be proud.

The show continues on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but tickets are just about sold out.