It was a fantastic first night for the pantomime at The Playhouse, Weston, with the young and not-so-young audience cheering, booing, clapping and shouting 'it's behind you' for all they were worth.
Star of the show John Challis who played second hand car dealer Boycie in the hit BBC series Only Fools And Horses is the evil magician Abanazar in an adventure of spectacle, slapstick and song.
This traditional pantomime was littered with contemporary and local references from digs about the bank balance of X-factor judge Simon Cowell to lack of action by town councillors to solve issues.
There were puns about the inhabitants of Bridgwater and picking flowers in Grove Park, Weston, but what was great was the show was aimed at a family audience.
Among the theatre-goers was Gladys who was celebrating her 100th birthday and eight-year-old Trinity who won people's hearts during the audience participation slot when she said firmly she wasn't going to make anymore pig honking noises during the singing of Old MacDonald's Farm.
This is a wonderful wholesome pantomime without the smutty innuendo parents have come to dislike.
Its comedy was slick slap-stick and its culture a mix of music hall, opera and modern pop.
Royal Opera star Paul Arden-Griffiths as Emperor Chop Suey made a magnificent entrance with a rendition from the Go Compare advertisement complete with lots of moustache twiddling.
And Terry Gleed as Wishee Washee, twin brother of Aladdin, enjoyed a 'my little fishee' repartee with the young people to remind folks of Boycie's hobby as a tropical fish breeder.
The 'for richer or poorer' love story is full of Eastern promise and is played with aplomb by Craig Daniel Adams of Hollyoaks fame as Aladdin and Cat Sandion, of CITV Hhi-5, as Princess Jasmine.
The hilarious double act of father and son Keith and Ben Simmons, who are joint directors of the show, as PC Me and Sergeant You demonstrated superb comic timing in the style of the late, great Tommy Trinder.
This is a colourful Christmas show with fabulous costumes and amazing sets and props.
Widow Twankey is played by drag artist Jason Sutton who appears in a different over-the-top costume for every scene with some tremendously imaginative headwear.
The energy and pace of the performers is breath-taking especially the acrobatic dance routines and as always the youngsters from the Tina Counsell School of Dance and Drama are delightful.
Full marks to The Playhouse, Weston, for bringing this production to North Somerset.
Actor John Challis ended the show with a plea for 'live' theatre and asking the audience to tell friends to buy tickets and come and see the show.
The three-year-old I took to the show told her mum as soon as she arrived home: "Abanazar says you have to go and see Aladdin."
I couldn't have said it better myself.
Aladdin runs until Sunday, January 8, with evening and matinee performances.
For further details call the box office on 01934 645544 or go online at www.theplayhouse.co.uk.