OK, before we start let's just get a few misconceptions out of the way - first off.. curves... got 'em - not always in the right place but they're definitely there, next on the list - photographs stolen from Facebook are never flattering and I was sitting under a purple light at the time the one that made me look like Shrek with sunburn was taken, and finally... and most importantly I am not Sam Dodd's mother!

Even those who are not lucky enough to have caught this year's extravaganza by Abergavenny Pantomime Company will probably judge from this that there were more than a handful of jokes aimed in this direction but even being the butt of so many jibes could not take the glitter off this colourful and lively show.

Alright, so at slightly more than three hours long, it did test the endurance somewhat, especially for the younger audience members, but as ever the exuberance and enthusiasm of everyone involved with this popular company, carried it through from the opening number to the grand finale.

With such a massive cast, it's always hard to pick out individuals for mention but as ever those in the limelight shone as indeed did those in the amazing chorus.

Ken Jones, after more than 15 years firmly wedged into the Dame's corsets carried off the part with aplomb, despite most scenes appearing as new to him as they were to the audience, while his partner in crime, Stephen Clark threw himself with gusto into every moment on stage whether he be going commando - if that's the right phrase- as a pseudo Corporal Jones, or encouraging volunteers to take part in the company's own version of Strictly Come Dancing.

Alex Williams showed a blossoming talent for comedy as the gormless Captain Cooper with some able support from award winning over-actor Joe Pugh.

As ever principal boy Molly Brickley-Clark provided many of the vocal highlights of the evening, with her renditions of Somebody to Love and Roar bringing the house down. This year she is ably matched by Chelsea Viveash as Ruby.

Great support came from Cara Newsam and Louise Morgan as Duracell and Tinsel, Abbi Rands as Turquoise, Peter Holder as King Jade, Andrea Marfell as Coral and Zach Clee as Spangle.

For me however, the undoubted star of the show - and a name to remember for the future - was the brilliant Zac Williams, who was an absolute delight as Rumpelstiltskin. His deadpan delivery and wry looks stole every scene - picture a cross between George Burns and Jimmy Durante and you'll just about get it.

In short...which this show certainly isn't...APC?has done it again and delighted audiences with a night of fun, music and laughter.

This company's great strength is that it has no pretension - it doesn't aim to set the world on fire; it sets out to provide good, clean(ish) family fun and that's precisely what it does.

Its great talent is that it exactly tailors its songs, dances and set pieces to play to the strengths of its cast and that is tribute to its director and musical director...and I probably would have said that without the bag of Malteasers!

I hate panto...but I grudgingly have to admit that I love Abergavenny Pantomime Company! . LIZ DAVIES