Despite initial misgivings, Lew Baxter is won over by panto season's offerings

PANTO is a peculiarly British festive season confection that usually leaves foreigners baffled, and even some of us used to its naffness and innuendo are not quite sure if it is a jape.

Yet annually we flock to a myriad of such shows, and the fact that this year's production in Mold - one of the first off the blocks - is almost sold out until well into the New Year, is an indication of its massive popularity.

And, despite a hint of scepticism of the genre, there is little doubt that once again writer/ director Peter Rowe has dished up a rich and sumptuous Christmas pudding that had the audience clapping along throughout, and on its feet dancing at the end.

It's the usual formula of a traditional folk tale given a hearty rock 'n' roll boost, with exaggerated characters hurtling around in endless slapstick routines that shouldn't evince a titter, never mind the hearty guffaws and roars of appreciation they receive.

As ever, the Dame is the glue that holds the plot together, and Phylip Harries tucks into every trick in the book as (ahem) Bronwen Bigbreaths - there is naturally a tinge of Welsh flavouring to this tasty dish - and he delivers at a ferociously fast pace while engaging the punters in banter.

His foil in the exchanges is Daniel Lloyd as Desperate Dai, the village oaf who, of course, turns out to be less than that.

The set by Judith Croft is glorious, while musical director Greg Palmer chooses a string of sing-along favourites that the multi-talented cast a ll contribute to, both vocally and by their impressive playing of a vast array of instruments.

The love interest comes via Tara Nelson's cheery Beauty whose promise to marry the Beast will return him to human form as Prince Promising.

In the early royal alter ego, Stephen Ashfield only hints at a fabulous voice that suddenly soars as he pours out his soul as the trapped Beast.

Everyone looks as though they are having a ball, and the theatre does literally rock to the sound of music and hilarity.

Lew Baxter