LAUGHTER was in the air at Manchester’s magical panto with a fantastic line-up and glittering set.

Strolling into town this year, Dick Whittington and his cat, who are also joined by a well-known dog and its owner.

Britain’s Got Talent finalists Ashley and (the very cute) Pudsey stole the show with their heart-warming performance, a paw-fect duo doing what they are good at, capturing the hearts of the audience.

But without their wonderful cast members the fairytale wouldn’t be complete.

The pre-schoolers in the crowd are in for a treat this year, with CBeebies favourite Mr Bloom, playing the adorable Dick.

And if comedy is high on your wish-list, parents, you won’t be disappointed as funnyman Dame Eric Potts, who wrote and directed the performance it truly is absolutely hilarious.

From a giant sausage scene to audience interaction the dazzlinig production is complete with gags galore, leaving the older ones in the audience roaring with laughter.

Strong on the vocals we have Fairy Bowbells, played by West End star Jodie Prenger, the pretty character with a good pair of lungs, delivering the right notes to catchy tunes.

And a panto’s not a panto without the baddies - we had a great time booing off the rats who set out to catch Dick Whittington and his cat by their master, the evil King Rat who is a convincing long tail who wears a wonderful costume.

Former BGT star Ashleigh Butler plays Alice Fitzwarren, a sweet young girl who stumbles upon her first love, taking Pudsey with her along the way.

Pudsey I must say, is one talented pooch with tricks and twirls, he’s one of the cutest acts around.

As an extra treat this year Dick Whittington has a 3D sequence and all of the children were mesmerized with the added bonus.

With lots of audience interaction, the show at Manchester Opera House is perfect for the family, and if you love panto then you won’t be disappointed with the clever, cunning and highly creative production.

  • Dick Whittington Sunday January 5 2014, Manchester Opera House, Box office: