Christchurch Music Society’s annual pantomimes are a firm fixture in my January calendar, and they never disappoint. Brimming with upbeat songs, clever one-line gags, colourful costumes and witty audience inter-actions, they are always the perfect antidote to that post Christmas lull.

Red Riding Hood proved a riot from start to finish with goodies, baddies, slapstick routines and a hearty, well-rehearsed chorus all contributing to its success.

In true panto style, the talented Matt McCabe put in a commanding performance as the Big Bad Wolf, perfectly offset by the tongue-in-cheek niceness of Angela Everett as Fiona the Forest Fairy.

Gareth Spreadbury was a triumph as the traditional dame, Granny Hood, whilst Leanne Clarke and Rhys Bebb as Bobby Boltz and Nicky Nutz were revelations as they delivered gag after gag with perfect comic timing.

Not to be outdone, Diane Ebo was both engaging and hilarious in the role of Mary Hood, completely at odds with the studied demurity of Katie Brown as Red Riding Hood.

A seamless backing score conducted by Liz McAinsh and a simple background set that didn’t detract from any of the action proved clever components in a winning formula.

Here’s to the next one.