IT'S that time of the year (Oh Yes It Is!) and Thurrock's Thameside Theatre is once more rocking to the sound of music and laughter as another pantomime is added to the pantheon of Christmas memories.

This year it's Jack and the Beanstalk, once again produced by Polka Dot Pantomimes, which runs until 7 January.

Though there was some doubt, given the controversy over the future of the Thameside Complex, about whether there would be a panto this year which meant the publicity campaign was a late start, the love for the show has already seen lots of activity at the booking office – but there is still the opportunity to ensure your portion of traditional panto via this link.

You'll definitely get everything you expect from the unique British legacy that is panto – it's a fast-moving show with quickfire gags, singalongs, ribald moments for the mums, dads and grandparents and excitement for the youngsters.

For a change this year, I popped along to catch the 'relaxed' version of the show – put on without the explosions, bangs, scary sight gags so as to allow youngsters (and adults) who may have issues to enjoy the performance. Usually, these are adults or children with learning difficulties, autism or sensory communication disorders.

Funky feet

It was wonderful to see the theatre packed with so many people who might not normally attend – and an added bonus was an appearance on stage by Thurrock's very own Funky Feet – who fully entered into the panto spirit.

It was a memorable evening, though I have to confess I am looking forward to returning to the show in full blast mode! And also, early in the new year, perhaps for the very rude 'adults only' version…

And so what of this year's panto?

It has all the ingredients we now love and expect at the Thameside where tradition runs strongly through the show – and familiarity certainly doesn't breed any contempt, the audience lap up the participation and delight in the hidden inuendo!

The cast, which only came together just a couple of weeks before opening night, and in the case of Ronan Radin (Fleshcreep) just a couple of days, has already moulded into a family and they really do appear to be enjoying themselves as well as entertaining us.

As ever, in his seventh season as Dame, Luke Coldham takes much of the limelight as he wisecracks with the audience, throws in the ad-libs and leads by example.

Luke's chief lieutenant in laughter is Charle Quinn as Silly Simon. Hailing from County Durham, Simon has already built up an impressive track record in panto world and he is a delight to watch as he builds a rapport with the audience.

Josh Harrison-Yellop as Jack is a gallant hero plighting his troth to the very lovely and talented Liberty Stottor whose panto debut as Princess Jill promises a bright future on the stage for her.

Melissa Veszi as Fairy Sunshine lights up the stage with her presence and Ronan's Fleshcreep is menacing and a credit to him after he stepped in following the last minute withdrawal of Richard Burman. Rounding up the lead roles is Killian Perpetuini as King Bumble on his second stint on stage at the Thameside – a theatre where he first watched panto as a child. The supporting pro cast Dani Jae-Young, Dylan Snowden, Emily Jeeves, Rory Collins and Matthew King keep everything ticking over with some excellent choreography (it's always a task on such a small stage) and throughout the run three teams of local youngsters will support them. The team I saw were engaging and very talented.

Funky Feet all but stole the show on this special night and it is great to see them participating – it sums up the ethos of what the Thameside means to the local community with its inclusivity. It really is a very generous home for the arts in our borough.

Of course there are things to be picky about. If I'm really honest some of the solo vocal numbers fall a bit short of quality though the ensemble pieces are a pleasure. And from time to time a technical glitch or two happens – but that's always likely to be the case when scenes shift so quickly and because of the pace of the production – and when they did happen, the professionalism of the cast shone through with improvisation and adaptability. It's all part of the show after all.

Is it the best panto I've seen at the Thameside? I don't think so. Does that matter? Not a jot!

And I don't think anyone who goes will be disappointed. It's a sheer joy to see the smiling faces of the kids (catch the clip below to see their excitment) – and the odd tear in the eye of the older folk.

Long may panto flourish.

Well done and thank-you to all who helped in this production – and especially those who made the 'relaxed' night so very, very special.