If a panto’s success is judged by the decibels of the squeals of delight emanating from the children in the audience then Snow White at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is a massive hit.

The cast member most often initiating the audience participation was Muddles, played quite honestly to panto perfection by Andy Collins, a veteran TV warm-up man who is best known locally as a presenter on BBC Three Counties Radio.

His twinkly-eyed, comedic, cheerful chappy approach to the role endeared him to kids and adults alike. The grown-ups even forgave him for drenching them with water pistols in the hilarious 12 Days of Christmas routine.

How we laughed when a chain of toilet paper rolls was flung around the theatre auditorium, even reaching the upper circle (you had to be there).

Andy was, however, just one of several key ingredients which mixed together so well to make this one of the best pantos I’ve seen in recent years (and I’ve seen a lot).

He was ably assisted by La Voix as Nurse Dolly, the most glamorous dame in the kingdom with a belting voice and a commanding stage presence. Snow White (Jenna Innes) was absolutely delightful with a crystal-clear singing voice that charmed not only the animals of the forest, but the audience too.

And then there was the star of the show. The only household name among the cast and a total hoot.

There are several statements which could be used to describe Hi-de-Hi’s Su Pollard. Mad as a bag of frogs, slightly bonkers, charmingly eccentric and add to the list perfect for panto!

She seemed to revel in being booed and was convincingly menacing as the wicked queen, but she did it in such a way that I couldn’t help but like her (this was a long way from the glam wicked queen). When she pitched up on stage in a leopard skin print shorts and skimpy top with her skinny legs, big glasses and bewildered look on her face to proposition the Prince (the charming Jon Moses) I almost wanted her to succeed!

This panto has it all. Great song and dance numbers, colourful costumes, all the old jokes and routines, plenty of current quips (Brexit and I’m a Celebrity references), riotous audience participation and a good solid cast to deliver it with aplomb.

It’s a treat for all the family.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs until Sunday December 31 and for tickets visit www.atgtickets.com