YOU cannot keep a good panto down - not even when thieves steal the script at the 11th hour, as Sleeping Beauty shows.

It musters a strong cast, is packed with funny lines and situations and boasts sparkling sets and costumes along with the usual South Tyneside-spun jokes.

This show is based on one of the more sentimental fairy tales and it's a challenge to 'Mr Panto', Ray Spencer, to give it his usual raucous treatment. But, despite his re-writing of the script in the aftermath of the burglary, he succeeds with the help of sparring partner, Dame Dotty (alias Bob Stott) and that other posh Geordie funny man, Donald McBride.

Never one to miss an opportunity, Spencer brings in the stars of the theatre's hit comedy of the year, Dirty Dusting. Senior Fairy, Jean Southern, is joined by her two assistants, drama queen fairy, Helen Russell, and forgetful fairy, Gwen Doran, with David Whitaker as baddie, Lord Mekon.

A find to the panto stage is radio and TV's Kathy Secker, who drapes her golden tones in fiery black for the evil Narcissus and proves a force to be reckoned with, though South Shields' own dashing, blond prince of the musical stage, Steven Rae, who partners Princess Beauty (the even more youthful Alexandra Gardner), was the audience's favourite.

Another winner that will be laughing all the way to the box office.

* Runs until January 4. Box office 0191-454 1234.

Published: 08/12/2003