GET ready to boo the baddies and cheer on the goodies - it's panto time once again.

And with this, the area's most spectacular seasonal show, it is guaranteed that the kids are going to love it.

Forget some of the opening night technical difficulties and put yourself in the mind of an eight year old.

Then you enter a world of wonder, where the vast auditorium of King George's Hall has been transformed into a magical kingdom.

As we have come to expect from Stageworks, based at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the costumes and sets are spectacular, the dancers bring a touch of glamour to the proceedings and what's on offer is good, old-fashioned family fun.

Quite what Hans Christian Anderson would have made of the Teletubbies or the Crazy Frog invading his fairy story, who knows, but this is panto. And it works.

Phil Walker returns for his seasonal spell in Blackburn as Ossie the narrator and again proves there is none better at connecting with a young audience.

All the panto favourites are in there somewhere including a ghost scene, numerous "behind you" moments and several singalongs. If you don't like joining in, you have been warned.

You cannot judge a pantomime as you can any other theatrical performance. It remains a one off and long may it continue to do so. The hundreds of young voices shouting out as one last night proved that the Snow Queen will definitely be a winner.

The Snow Queen runs until Sunday, January 8. Details from the box office on 01254 582582.