THE Grand has a tradition for top notch pantos - and this one is no exception.

A fast-flowing mix of slapstick, schoolboy humour and songs - including McFly's All About You and, bizarrely, Hanky Panky by Madonna - kept the audience of all ages beaming for two hours.

Hogging the stage as our hero Aladdin was foghorn-voiced comedian Billy Pearce, who I'm sure is the inspiration for over the top Coronation Street character Sean.

And a word of warning, folks - if your hearing is particularly acute, don't sit in the first 10 rows. This man is LOUD!

Pearce received excellent support from John Challis as the conniving Abanazar, entertainment veteran Bobby Bennett and fresh-faced Scott Taylor from TV drama The Royal, whose comic timing was spot on.

Philip Hitchcock doubled up as the Emperor and show magician, something you don't see a lot of in pantos these days. The disappearing birds trick held the youngsters spellbound.

A Pearce-led singalong before the grand, get your best costumes on, finale made sure the evening ended on a high note.

If you want to get away from the traditional Christmas TV diet of soaps, repeats and old films, this is a bubbly alternative. TP