It's panto time of year and if you like yours traditional, venture no further than the Forum Studio Theatre in the centre of Chester, for festive fayre of the fun kind.

This year's offering, Jack and the Beanstalk from writer Peter Swingler OBE, has all the right ingredients for a good-sized portion of family entertainment.

Directed by Steve Davies, with choreography by Rhian Underwood and musical direction by Craig Price, the performance is high energy from start to finish.

The Voice finalist Joe Woolford is every young girl's dream as Jack Trot who is trying his best to help his mum pay her rent. Unfortunately on press night a microphone failure meant The Voice went unheard for the first number but, with technical assistance, all was fixed and the 22-year-old's dulcet tones were a pleasure to hear.

Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas panto - Tip Top Productions: Joe Woolford as Jack Trot
Joe Woolford as Jack Trot

Local actor Dan Ellis was perfect as Silly Willy, Jack's brother, who won the hearts of every child in the house - as well as most of the mums no doubt. His humour, ad-libbing and stagecraft was well-timed and full of energy.

Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas panto - Tip Top Productions: Dan Ellis as Silly Willy
Dan Ellis as Silly Willy

The star of the show for me was undoubtedly a tap dancing Daisy the Cow, whose back end knew exactly what the front end was doing at all times. Unfortunately Daisy wasn't credited in the programme so only you know who you are!

Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas panto - Tip Top Productions: Joe Woolford as Jack Trot and Kevin Dewsbury as Dame Trot with Daisy the Cow
Joe Woolford as Jack Trot and Kevin Dewsbury as Dame Trot with Daisy the Cow

Fairy Courgette, Julia Blagrove, keeps everything in control with a wave of her magic wand although Kieron Attwood tries to disrupt all as the villainous Fleshcreep - I have to say though that it was almost sacrilegious to use David Bowie's Starman as his 'exit music', especially this year.

Kieron Attwood as Fleshcreep
Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas panto - Tip Top Productions: Kieron Attwood as Fleshcreep

I never envy the Princess role in any panto as character development is never a major consideration but Jade Pritchard was all you could want in Jill, ably assisted by a chorus of young dancers from local Theatretrain schools.

Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas panto - Tip Top Productions: Jade Pritchard as Jill
Jade Pritchard as Jill

And if you like a bit of innuendo, Kevin Dewsbury's Dame Trot provided it in shedloads and the 12 Days of Christmas sketch was an absolute hoot.

Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas panto - Tip Top Productions: Joe Woolford as Jack Trot and Kevin Dewsbury as Dame Trot with Kieron Attwood as Fleshcreep
Joe Woolford as Jack Trot, Kevin Dewsbury as Dame Trot with Kieron Attwood as Fleshcreep

There are local references galore and of course Ellesmere Port and Wrexham fare particularly badly - as does a certain theatre in the Mold area! Upton does very well and don't miss references to Chester Races and when the new Chester Market might arrive.

Jack and The Beanstalk runs at The Forum Studio Theatre in Chester until January 6.

Full details of performance dates and show times can be found at www.chestertheatre.co.uk where tickets can be booked online. Alternatively, contact the box office on 01244 341296.