It's a brave panto that tackles the flying aspect of Peter Pan.

But the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone doesn't shy away from it: in fact, it positively embraces it. There were at least three characters who 'flew' in the show, which is running at the Earl Street venue. And without a hitch too.

Every panto tradition was there of course from the "He's behind yous" to the obligatory ghost scene and, of course, singling out the man in the front row. Although the one at the performance I saw seemed almost too keen to be singled out!

This year's production is the first time theatre management have decided to do the panto 'in-house' and if bums on seats are anything to go by, it's paid off - the theatre was packed out.

Booing EastEnders' Ricky Groves as Captain Hook proved enjoyable; he was a good baddie. The downside was that with his Hook voice and long black wig, he was almost unrecognisable.

There were a number of very straight roles including Peter Pan, played by Jordan Veloso and Georgie Freeman as Wendy, who had a superb singing voice.

And then there were a number of very not straight roles, including a very camp pirate, and a slightly odd but funny scene involving some TOWIE-style mermaids sticks in the mind.

It was also the first time I think I've ever seen panto featuring a Welsh Dame, played by Hywel Dowsell, although the accent definitely added something. But it took me until the final scene to work out what was missing from the Dame: no heels!

The dancers of all ages didn't put a foot wrong, and there was one little girl who was probably the smallest member of the cast but who seemed to be putting in the biggest effort! You've got until Sunday, January 3 to see all of them in action.

For details of all pantos in Kent, click here