THE scariest thing for any comic must be to collapse on stage and wonder how long it takes everyone to work out that it's not part of the act.

Fortunately, paramedics arrived quickly to help Jester-clad Londoner Johnny Laff when he collapsed as Muddles during last Thursday's opening night. But, for once, the show could not go on without him - tickets were issued for a later performance.

Laff made Friday's matinee with 15 minutes to spare after a hospital check-up and eased his way cautiously into the venue's most hectic time of year.

Matthew Davies, who came to the rescue on Thursday with an impromptu comedy routine, manages close to a dozen costume changes as panto dame Nurse Glucose and the odd topical joke. His best effort being: "Look after your children . . . they're the ones who choose your nursing home."

Kim Hartman, of TV 'Allo 'Allo fame, steals the show as madcap Wicked Queen Morgana who is determined to murder stepdaughter Snow White (Melissa D'Arcy).

For once, it is enjoyable to note that Snow White and her Prince (Jonathan Tatum) can provide a decent duet despite a few sound difficulties.

The dwarfs are a little cut-price. Brainy, Smiley, Goopy, Tisher, Snoozy, Dozey and Moody are children, provided by the hard-working local Thornton Academy Of Dance, who mime to a soundtrack. In fact, no fewer than 30 youngsters pad out the professional cast during the run which is a tribute to the depth of ability on Teesside.

* Runs until Sunday, January 4. Box office: (01642) 815181

Published: 09/12/2003