It's that time of year again - oh yes it is - and this Christmas it was a delight to watch Aladdin at Darwen Library Theatre.

With lots of puns and cheeky humour it offers the perfect mix of fun and family entertainment.

With a particularly good baddie to 'booooo', Fiona Egan doing a great job of playing Abanazer as a man (well it is panto) and a love story to warm your hearts Aladdin is well worth heading out with with family for.

Widow Twanky (Scott Horsfold) will have you laughing out loud with his/her toilet humour, wacky costumes and cheeky flash of his/her giant knickers every now and then. And the relationship between him/her and Wacky Wishy Washy played by Will Cousins is one of many highlights in this production.

Then there's a camp genie (a wonderfully over the top performance by Barrie Ryan English) pus a roller skating slave of the ring (Katie Bruce) and a whole lot of glitter to add a hint of Christmas magic and sparkle.

Strong vocals from all the cast members captured the attention of the most troublesome toddlers (including mine) perking them up with lots of interaction.

This cast looked to be enjoying the show as much as the audience which is always a good thing and the show also benefits from some great choreography.

Directed and produced by East Lancs panto guru George Critchley has moments of cartoon-like fun and yet remains a gloriously traditional pantomime. It's a treat!

Aladdin runs until Christmas Eve. Details from the box office on 0844 847 1664

It's on until Christmas Eve so head on down to Darwen Library Theatre and get into the festive spirit.