JUST when you thought the festive season was over for another year, along comes Colne’s annual pantomime to bring a warm glow to brighten up an otherwise dull winter.

Pantomimes are deceptively difficult to pull off. But in the capable hands of one of the strongest ensemble casts PMA Productions has put together in recent years, this is a delight from start to finish.

It’s a proper family panto which the kids will love and the adults secretly enjoy.Every traditional element is there – an evil baddie, a beautiful princess, songs, dance routines, a spectacular set and live music of the highest order.

There’s even a proper giant and a pantomime cow. What more could you ask for?

From the moment Fairy Cupcake – Scout in Waterloo Road – steps on to the stage, the audience was entranced.

Every performance is a strong one and vocally, East Lancashire’s Mr Panto George Critchley has assembled a cast which is a true delight.

A highlight is the duet between Zarah Wyns and newcomer Joshua Dowen, which has Disney-ilke stardust sprinkled all over it.

It’s difficult to pick out the star turns but Keith DeWinter gives a masterclass in the art of damesmanship (if there is such a word) and Olive Broad really lives up to his name as Flashcreep.

In short, forget what time of the year it is. This is a great show – go along and enjoy it.