This Christmas sees the turn of Dick Whittington for panto season at Manchester Opera House.

Drew, Amber and I were invited for a festive family trip to review the production at the Press night. This was only second panto, having watched Aladdin 10 years ago in Scotland.

I wasn’t that familiar with the story of Dick Whittington but I love John Barrowman’s work, so I had to check it out.

The production also stars Scottish comedy duo, ‘The Krankies.’

This show was outstanding from start to finish and hilarious throughout. John Barrowman is a stage legend and his presence proved that. He was fantastic in character as Dick Whittington and the way he got the audience to participate throughout was great. However the Krankies also stole the show, there were a few jokes which were a tad risqué but isn’t that what panto is famous for? If you go with an open mind you will find it hilarious. My sides were honesty hurting by the end of the show.

The audience were mainly adults, most of whom probably remembered The Krankies from back in the day, and I think that many of the jokes would probably be lost on the younger ones, but Amber really enjoyed it.

The music and choreography was modern and included ‘Wrapped Up’ by Olly Murs, which had all the kids (and mum’s) up singing and dancing. It was so lively that at some points I felt like I was at a party rather than at panto!

2 hours wasn’t enough for this fantastic show, I could have easily sat and danced through another 2 hours!

*I was invited to the press night as a guest of Bill Elms entertainment*