Dick Whittington, Albert Halls, Bolton Runs until January 5

FAVOURITE faces have returned to Bolton's stage as the pantomime season starts in earnest.

Men dressed as women, slapstick humour and innuendo means only one thing. It's that time of year again -- the traditional panto season. Oh yes it is!

This year's offering, Dick Whittington, is a mixture of local talent and raw northern wit featuring the likes of Bernard Wrigley as an excellent Captain Cods Eye. And the kids love every minute of his villainy.

TV favourite Paul Crone holds the show together keeping the fun rolling as Idle Jack.

Squeals of laughter and yells of "it's behind you!" echoed around the Albert Halls as Bolton once again put on a show worthy of the most grand of theatres.

And all the old jokes and songs are in there with Andrew Oldham stealing the show as his outrageous Dame character, Sarah the Cook, complete with Union Jack knickers.

Dick Whittington this year is played by Sheffield man Tam Ryan who gives a solid performance.

And dancers from Bolton Dance and Performing Arts College provided glittering displays of ballet and tap sequences.

The theatre was packed out as parents, youth leaders, scouts and brownies raised the roof with even the shyest joining in the riotous antics by the interval.

It was a perfect pre-Christmas excuse to enjoy some good-old fashioned traditional fun for mums and dads too, with grandparents also joining in the merriment.

One of the favourite moments was when Bolton Wanderers mascot Lofty the Lion bounced on stage in cool black leather trousers! The place went wild.

And for those who say pantomime is dying, I can only say: "Oh no, it's NOT!"

It's the perfect way to introduce children to live performances and get them away from the TV. But a little advice for parents -- don't expect a quiet two hours of peace contemplating your Christmas card list.

It lasted the best part of three hours and toilet facilities were chaotic. Also it could be a good idea to take your ear plugs!

Gayle Evans