With Christmas just a few days away, pantomime season is in full swing and you don’t always need to travel far to get your festive fix.

This year Blue Phoenix Productions is telling the tale of Snow White at the Rylance Theatre in Tower’s School in Ashford.

When the Magic Mirror declares Snow White to be the fairest in the land, the Wicked Queen is sent into an almighty rage and vows to kill Snow White with a poisoned apple.

This year’s cast includes Holley Harvey as Snow White with director Paul Ketley and co-director Rob Hancox performing as Nurse Nelly and Herman the Henchman, respectively.

Other cast members include Kalon Rae, who appeared on The Voice UK and The X Factor, as Prince Louis and Stephanie Coates, who has an incredible powerhouse voice, as the Wicked Queen.

One thing I like about the production is that the smaller venue offers a more intimate show without the chaos of crowds.

It also meant the younger members of the audience could really get involved with interacting with the actors on stage, particularly during the “he’s behind you” and “oh no it isn't” moments.

However, a small issue was that there were no seat numbers and finding your spot at the start of the show was tricky for visitors, like me, who were unfamiliar with the venue.

Last year, I watched the company’s production of Cinderella and was impressed by the show having usually opted for bigger venues like the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

But this year one thing that stood out was the detailed costumes which really helped take the production up a notch.

Snow White’s dresses, The Wicked Queen’s cloak and the Magic Mirror’s suit were really impressive and looked like something you would see in any high-end production.

And of course, Nurse Nelly’s – the panto dame’s – outrageous fashion choices did well to get giggles out of the audience.

My favourite part was when the seven dwarfs came onto the stage as I thought the costumes and voiceovers were a really clever way of telling their story.

My only criticism is that I would have loved to have seen them more.

While walking out, I overheard one lady praising the production while criticising a friend's choice to take her kids elsewhere saying: “Why would she go there when she could just come to the Ashford one?

“It’s much cheaper and there’s less traffic.”

And I agreed with that mum. While I wasn't sure about some of the song choices, the show was packed full of laughs, high energy and great sets.

The absence of traffic on the way out and the free parking is also a bonus.

It also felt good knowing I was supporting local talent and an Ashford-based theatre company which makes a huge difference to performers in the town.

The show runs until Saturday, January 4.

For more information, visit www.ashfordpantomime.co.uk or call 01233 367399.

Limited tickets are still available from £17.50 for an adult and £15.50 for a child.