THERE is something warm, familiar and very Christmassy about the Newcastle Opera House pantomime. And once more, a tried and tested cast of local celebrities take North-East families on a rollercoaster ride of colour, spectacle and fun.

This time, we're off to old Peking and a magical cave with Aladdin (Stephanie Constable) and the usual stalwarts, led by Maxie and Mitch, Brendan Healy and Kevin O'Keefe as Widow Twankey.

As ever, Maxie and Mitch give 101 per cent as the Chinese policemen - one of their very best panto double acts - and Brendan Healy, as Wishee Washee and the musical director, does a sterling job. For Aladdin, you need a strong Abanazar and Paul O'Shea commands the role, while the Tyne Theatre Stage School Dancers are slick and entertaining.

The colour bursts off the stage in costumes and special effects, giving this pantomime a bold and confident air from the start. I particularly liked the twinning of fluorescent skeleton costumes with tap dancing, giving a jangling of bones sensation. And even though my boys are 11-plus and they've heard it before, they still love the alternative Twelve Days of Christmas with its odd assortment of smelly socks, watering cans, rubber gloves and a three-cup bra. In the hands of these comics, it's a hoot.

* Runs until January 3. Box office: (0191) 232 0899.

Published: 09/12/2003