THE panto goers of Halesowen were in fine voice and full of enthusiasm at the Cornbow Hall for Sleeping Beauty.

Startime Variety steward Roseanne told myself and my daughter Isobel that a Thursday night was normally the quieter night of the run but the decibel level never dropped below loud.

The performance started with a lively song and dance routine. The costumes were bright and colourful along with the scenery.

And the live musicians really sounded great in the Cornbow Hall, which has great acoustics.

The Godfather themed fairies in charge of Adora Bell, provided some fun banter, with their thick Italian accents and a hint of East End from Godfather Harry.

But despite the new characters anyone expecting typical pantomime fair, were not disappointed.

There was the usual it’s behind you routines.

Lots of audience participation encouraged by Laura Murphy’s character Ding Dong, who really worked the crowd, of over 100.

There were musical numbers, including a sing-a-long Porridge v Jelly, which got the audience on their feet.

Clive Ditchfield’s Truly Scrumptious had a deadpan delivery, contrasting well with Ding Dong, producing a hilarious cake making slapstick routine, even handling non scripted props falling off the table. Gemma Mill’s Prince Stephen got some laughs with local references.

Isabella Harrison as Ms Chief proved it was good to be bad, she completely stole the scenes she was in, especially in Villain’s Got Talent.

She engaged the crowd and her singing voice was superb.

There were some nice twists too, Prince S pricks his finger and falls asleep, having to get a true love’s kiss from a reluctant Sleeping Beauty.

While a former villain Mad Ness saves the day.

Did Holly Mill’s debut as producer and script writer, leave us wanting more, oh yes it did!