FUN, frolics and formidable costumes ensured the production of Aladdin, at Colne Muni Theatre, was a roaring success for all ages.

Opening just after the new year, the pantomime made its first matinee appearance on Saturday, January 4, and did not disappoint with its cast of stars.

The audience participation was full-on, right from the start, with unsuspecting Keith Hanson, from Colne, bearing the brunt of Widow Twankey's -aka Steve Boyce - 'affections' within minutes and continuing right through to the end.

Keith took the attention in his stride and with good spirit and didn't so much as flinch when hugged by a shaving foam covered Wishy Washy, played by comedy actor, Rikki Stone.

An energetic Wishy Washy kept the audience captivated throughout the performance as did Widow Twankey whose array of increasingly gaudy costumes and outrageous hair styles provided plenty of laughs.

There was the usual delivery of sweets to those sitting in the front rows, who also bore the brunt of a water-gun wielding Wishy Washy in the opening minutes.

The theatre was almost to capacity with parents, grandparents and children, who all, even as young as three years, found the show hilarious.

There were the usual 'he's behind you' and 'oh, yes you are, oh, no you're not' opportunities to engage the children, with puns and innuendos galore to leave the adults belly laughing in their seats.

Villain Abanazer, played by Coronation Street's Les Battersby (Bruce Jones) was suitably evil in stealing Princess Jasmine ( Kelsey Beth Crossley, who plays Emmerdale’s Scarlett Nicholls) from Aladdin - X Factor’s ‘Same Difference’ Sean Smith, while vying to become master of the world.

He attracted the customary boos on each appearance and delighted the audience by shouting back at them.

Kelsey showed off her beautiful singing voice in a number of well-known songs.

The leading role of Aladdin was admirably played by Sean who immediately won the audience over with his humour. He did, however, receive an 'Oi' from an audience member when he despaired over the length of time he would be trapped in a cave lamenting it would be at least until Burnley won the FA Cup.

The pantomime went with hardly a slip, apart from when Abanazer almost dropped the lamp. Any corrections in the choreography either didn't happen, or were not needed as all the talented dancers seemed step perfect; made all the more difficult with the narrow stage.

Costume changes were swift and the characters charming and engaging and there were several references to nearby Fence and Burnley, as well as Colne itself - including Keith.

The young members of the audience particularly enjoyed the appearance of the huge genie and the monster running on and off the stage without the actors seeming to notice.

The whole cast appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves as much as the audience appeared to enjoy watching them and that came over very well throughout the whole performance.

The songs were modern and sung very well and the accompanying music and sound effects were spot-on.

The show was well worth the ticket price and the 20-minute interval just long enough to top up the drinks from the bar, grab an ice cream or rush the little ones to the toilets.

The pantomime runs until January 19.