Opening with a bright and breezy London Town scene, the songs, the fun and the thrills never stop in Peter Pan.

The show is a joy from start to finish. Not one blue joke, not one satirical dig at politicians, just the story of the boy who never grew up unfolding on stage amid charming songs, great dance routines and smashing comedy.

If you thought they don't make pantomimes like they used to, this delight will prove you wrong.

Kirsten O'Brien is a marvellous high-flier. She swoops, sprinkles fairy dust and dives gracefully across the stage as Peter. This is her sixth time as Peter Pan so she knows what she's doing and the children love her, screeching their lungs out to be in her gang.

John Challis is superb as Captain Hook, his face is made for villainy.

Only a few references to his role as Boycie in Fools and Horses creep into the plot, otherwise he is the Pirate King personified.

Children around me were nearly bursting with excitement at the capers on stage.

Barnaby as Mr Smee is a hilarious, gifted comedian.

His slapstick with The Acromaniacs (some hunky pirate eye-candy for the girls) is sharp and timed to precision.

The lead roles are well supported by the delightful Cavat Children and a mix of talents in cast members Jessica Bell as a stroppy Tinkerbell on roller skates; Maria McCullough as a precocious, earnest Wendy and Frankie Clary (Julian's sister) as the tripping Magic Mermaid.

Hayley Newnes as Tiger Lily leads some slick dance routines from choreographer/ director Alan Harding. The fight scenes, arranged by Karl Magee, work well especially when Peter Pan takes on Captain Hook.

Audience participation involves throwing foam rocks at the baddies on board the Jolly Roger although there is a bit of a scrum grabbing ammunition and it's limited to the seats downstairs.

The fairytale ending is a glittering tableau.

If you have not booked for the Fairfield panto, with an extra show on December 23 added into the run, call 020 8688 9291.