IT'S not often you'll find yourself singing along to a song called `I've never seen a straight banana' with a pantomime dame dressed as a... banana. But go along to this performance and you will.

Yes, it's a bit random, but it gave the rest of the cast time for a costume change and raised a smile with the audience.

And there is plenty to smile about in this show, not least thanks to the dame in question, alan edgington as Jack's mum Maggie Trot. With hilarious costumes, one-liners and over-the-topness, he/she can really hold an audience. Erica Burgan put in a perfect performance as Jack, and turned out to be a fab singer in frequent duets with Princess Rosalind, played excellently by Eleanor Malloy.

Billy Buttons (Matt Wilkinson) and Betty Button (Natalie Quinn) seemed to grow in confidence as the show went on, and ended up as a top double act.

I didn't envy Keith Thompson as the teetering giant — but he pulled it off, and what a great, booming voice.

The audience may have been a bit timid but the giant's henchmen couldn't be blamed. Their strong portrayal of the "baddies" was worthy of plenty of booing and hissing.

The youngest chorus members were extremely cute as flowers and birds — ahhhh — while the older members worked hard at their numerous scenes.

The pianist and prompt was on the ball throughout, and Terry Bowden's direction and a succession of sets should all be applauded. At two hours and 20 minutes, this was a lengthy show, but my children were impressed. Their favourite character? Connie the Cow. Go figure... I'd say hats off to all of the cast and team for an enjoyable show.

Irma Heger