The uniquely British tradition of pantomime is one reason the rest of the world observes us with a puzzled frown.

Just think of dames: Ample bosomed, powdered, rouged, spectacularly coiffured, resplendently attired - and male.

You'd go a long way to find a panto dame to better Nick Wilton, the larger-than-life tenant of the title role in this year's Connaught production.

His wedding-cake dress in the finale is a triumph.

Emma Wray is a confident, thigh-slapping Tom in the best tradition and deserves to win the hand of Lucy (Nicola Lloyd) despite the reservations of her dad Squire Skinflint (Keith Drinkel).

Writers Christopher Lillicrap and Jeannette Ranger always come up with something original and among the treats this year is a space rocket journey to magical Gooseland as part of the plot to defeat the nasty Demon King, a loud and splendid portrayal by Trevor Nicholls.

Frazer Hines, as Chuckie, displays his experience and timing as the comic lead.

He is clear, patient, friendly, very funny and an excellent match for down-to-earth Fairy Feather (Rachel Cantrill).

Danica Lee has a tough job as loveable Priscilla the Goose and the panto's "aah" factor comes in the grace and precision of the juvenile chorus.

Long may it flourish while it is this good.

Review by Mike Bacon, mike.bacon@theargus.co.uk