TIS the season to be jolly – and where better to be jolly than at a pantomime?

The Towngate Theatre in Basildon is playing host to its latest show and yet again it's a belter!

The Panto Adventures of Peter Pan opened this week and will run until Monday, 2 January and is a feast of entertainment, matching the high standards of recent years with some spectacular effects including cast members flying across the stage and theatre and dynamic song and dance routines.

Add in the traditional humour of a dame – once again played with wit and conviction by Ian Hallard – and all the elements are there.

However, after a run of several years, there was one special element missing.

As revealed on Nub News earlier this year 'Mr Basildon panto' Simon Fielding is taking a break from performing, though he is still co-producer and director.

And his attention to detail and passion for extravagance and the big numbers shines through.

When a traditional fixture in panto moves on, there's always an element of wonder about whether he or she will be missed. I recall the concern in Thurrock when Damian Williams moved to pastures new after many years of dominating the Thameside stage and his were huge shoes to fill – but a decade or more on, Luke Caldwell has now made that role his own.

And while Simon's infectious personality, quick wit and rapport was certainly missed, I am sure by the time this run ends in the new year new favourites will have been picked out.

The role of the Dame's sidekick is filled this year by Michael Loftus as Wibbles and he certainly grew on the audience, particularly during the very funny 'Ten Days of Christmas 'routine!

He complements Ian Hallard's sometimes acerbic Mrs Smee and moves the script along at pace.

Harvey Zaffino is Peter Pan and literally flies high throughout the performance, while Hannah Taylor's Wendy is a delight.

Her 'sweetness' contrasts with the villainous antics of Sophie Ladds, back as the evil centrepiece of the panto. She has become a piece of the Basildon panto furniture now and long may she reign as the focus of our boos and derision! Evil has never looked so good!

The most charismatic performer is Antonia Luisa-Clarke as Tinkerbell. Making her professional debut she shows no nerves, stomps through the role with bundles of energy, sings well and dances a treat.

Another top member of a talented ensemble is Eva Phillips, back after her debut performance in Beauty and the Beast last year and when the spotlight shines on her as Tiger Lily her vocal talent commands the stage. One for the future I suspect!

Aside from the talents of a superbly-choreographed cast the staging, lighting and music is top class.

There are many jaw-dropping moments as the full  gamut of theatrical tricks are run through.

Simon Fielding promised another spectacular show and it doesn't disappoint. His passion for the glamour and style of the West End is mirrored throughout, particularly in the presentation of 'No Way' from Six. Sam Ryder's Eurovision smasher 'Spaceman' also gets a fabulous presentation.

All in all it's another triumph. The Towngate Box Office can be accessed via this link.