YEADON Charities Association's traditional family panto, which for years has been enjoyed locally, is once again in full flow.

A large first night audience with lots of children obviously enjoyed every minute. Musically it is delightful and I would go so far as to say the best musically for some time.

A seven piece band played with pace, brightness and a great sense of rhythm. The music was varied and different and the Abba finale a delight.

Singing as usual was outstanding. Even the Sunbeams on their own lifted the roof.

Dancing too was varied. A very enjoyable tap routine by the well-drilled dancers. A super razzle dazzle number with the Babes and Sunbeams, the Babes played by Bradley Judge and Victoria Brown.

The Sunbeams are always a huge success with Yeadon audiences and this year is no exception.

Heading the large cast was Laura Judge as Robin Hood. I first saw Laura as Principal Boy for Ilkley Upstagers saying then she was one of the best Principal Boys I had seen. She has a wonderful stage presence and a fine singing voice.

As Maid Marion Caroline Cross also has a lovely voice and every word is projected beautifully. They have a fine duet in Can't Smile Without You'.

Tracy Annal, a dashing Will Scarlett, and Vicky Paris as Alice work well together. Dancers and singers both they make the most of a good number You To Me Are Everything'.

First time in panto can be an experience like no other. To make your first appearance and also be playing the important and demanding role of Pantomime Dame is quite a challenge.

This is what Adam Gregory took on some months ago. He comes across as a likable, lovable old style pantomime Dame.

Nerves which were there a little on Friday will disappear as the week goes on. He can sing and is light on his feet. He makes the most of audience participation and copes with comedy situations with ease.

The Dame is a character that can only grow with pantomime experience. Nanny Nuttall is well on her way!

Greg Silverwood brings his experience to the role of Wishbone while the versatile Gary Holmes plays a not too nasty Sherrif of Nottingham pursued to his dismay by the hard-faced Miss Splinter played by Doreen Seaman.

The Brokers Men, Hookline and Sinker, are played by Arthur Lawson and Gareth Jones. Arthur well over his 50 years of panto never looks any different and he has good backing from young Gareth.

Les Fryer and Peter Long make their mark in roles of Little John and Friar Tuck.

Last but by no means least is the wandering minstrel of Frank Mottram. Everyone enjoyed his odes. The verses were both humourous and effective and he put them over cleverly.

The staging was not as impressive as in previous years and the plot rather confusing. Also there was not as much comedy element.

Putting this whole show together was in the hands of the experienced and talented team of Kath Williams (Producer), Derek Broadbent (MD) and Jean Gledhill (Choreographer).

The pantomime in 2008 will be Sleeping Beauty'.