★★★★★

THE Rattonians Christmas Spectacular fully lived up to its name by providing a glittering extravaganza of magical music, dazzling dancing, colourful costumes and festive fun.

Production maestros Mark and Melanie Adams put together their biggest ever cast of more than 140, including over 100 children who showed amazing talent and boundless enthusiasm.

The first half, consisting of favourites from the musicals, got off to a sizzling start as Mark Adams sang Willkommen from Cabaret with great panache. We were treated to more superb solos from Steve Stapley (A Little More Mascara), Jane James, with a rousing When You're Good to Mama, and 14-year-old West End performer Megan Clarke's spell-binding Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

There followed a wonderful medley from Les Miserables, with outstanding vocals by Wayne Newton, 10-year-old Daisy Riddett and Laura Sivers. Mark Adams and Jane James, looking perfectly in character as the greedy, scheming inn keepers, gave us a too brief taste of Master of the House.

Grant Martins, Alex Adams, Melanie Adams, Avril Bell and the talented youngsters were instrumental in ending the first half on a high and, together with Chloe Shearer, later conjuring up a joyful Christmas theme.

Alex and the Youth Group gave us a delightful It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas, while Grant, as usual, had a great rapport with the audience. Excellent choreography by Jan Lynton, Debbie Hackett, Mark Adams, Emma Cronk, Claire Walker and Vikki Potten, Carl Greenwood's superb musical arrangements, and those sparkling costumes played a major part in creating the feel good factor.

A fabulous finale saw Santa arrive in a sleigh, complete with elves and reindeer. It was a glorious end to an uplifting night of fabulous family entertainment.