Tipped by many to be the best panto at the Arena so far, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opened on a high note with many of the EastEnders Mitchell family Phil (Steve McFadden), Sharon (Letitia Dean), Ben (Harry Reid) Jay (Jamie Borthwick) in the audience to support ‘Roxy’, aka actress Rita Simons, who proved to be a truly dastardly baddie as the wicked Queen Morgiana.

Both she and Lauren Cocoracchio as the super lovely Snow White were in fine song and were ably abetted by pantomime dame Nurse Nellie, played by Arena stalwart Bob Golding.

Bob delivered some killer one liners and had everyone in stitches throughout along with his partner in mirth Ian Kirkby as Herman the Henchman.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is the latest show from Evolution Productions who are celebrating six record breaking years at the Arena. Director Paul Hendy said after the show that he was thrilled by the response from this year’s panto, which he penned himself.

He also spoke about how he started out as a children’s presenter on The Disney Club, which is probably why his script had so much appeal for family audiences. He also fronted Wheel of Fortune and Don’t Try This At Home with Davina McCall so it’s no wonder the laughs all made their mark too.

General manager Chris Baker adds: “This year’s pantomime is the most popular ever but there still some dates in early January that are available.”

All in all it’s a wonderful show with an interactive element featuring 3D glasses but I don’t want to give too much away...you’ll have to go and see for yourselves.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs until Sunday, January 8, 2017.

The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD. Details: 01727 844488, and to request your favourite shows/films, join the theatre on: facebook.com/albanarena or twitter @albanarena.