Oh no it isn't, oh yes it is - it's pantomime time as Saundersfoot Footlights stage their annual festive offering.

Packed full of sing-a-long songs, knockabout humour, corny gags, colourful characters and bags of audience participation, this year's production, Dick Whittington, is truly a show for all the family.

Written by John Morley, author of many comic and tuneful takes on traditional pantomime stories, this interpretation, directed by Helen Wright, features an enthusiastic cast that mixes a fair sprinkling of new talent with well-known Footlights 'veterans'.

The tale is familiar enough, with Dick Whittington (the instantly likeable hero played by Hulda Butler, who shines in the title role) making his way to London, only to find that the streets are not paved with gold as he was told.

There he befriends Tommy the Cat (a purr-fect part for Megan Hickling) and meets the pretty Alice Fitzwarren (a delightful Robyn Hickling), who persuades her father, Alderman Fitzwarren (Brian Tilley), to give him a job in their store.

However, the devious and wicked King Rat (played by Alec James, who provokes gales of boos as the dastardly rodent) plots a scheming plan against Dick and casts a spell over Idle Jack (Rob Wright, who proves one of the audience's favourites) and Sarah Suet (a bubbly Andrea Thomas), persuading them into stealing money from the shop's safe and planting it in Dick's bundle.

Dick is fired and leaves London, but Fairy Tinkle (a bright and bubbly Iris Morris) steps in and waves her magic wand to show Dick his destiny, making him return to London and, via a sailing expedition to Morocco, its happy endings all round as Dick becomes Lord Mayor of London and marries the beautiful Alice.

There were more twists and turns to the plot than a ride on the Big Dipper at Blackpool and so many jokes it was on times a job to keep up - but that's panto! There was also plenty of singing, including some delightful solos and foot-tapping chorus numbers, sparkling costumes, lively dance routines and realistic scenery that all added to the enjoyment of the evening.

Other members of the cast are: Captain Cockle - Luke Morris-Conlon; Mr. Mussell - Jackie Hickling; Sam Seaweed - Jorge Wright; Sheik Dabottle - Keith Williams; Werafez - Pam Hayhurst; El Macho - Cath Morgan; Tuffazell - Jane Hall; and Avocado - Gill Butler.

Members of the adult chorus are Emma Wilson, Marguerite Blumsum, Diane Phillips, Linda Gwyther, Sarah Gwyther, Anne Docherty, Debbie Morgan, Cath Morgan, Pam Hayhurst, Jane Hall, Gill Butler, Ceri Phillips and Cliff Hall.

Members of the junior chorus are Becky Hills, Sita Thomas, Natalie Burgess, Cherie Morgan, Joanne Ayres, Tara Evans, Emma James, Carlie Brown, Polly James, Fionnuala Morris-Conlon, Hannah Butler, Sarah Patterson, Stevie O'Neill, Ryan O'Neill, Jack James, Dominic Patterson and Ben Hickling.

Other members of the production team are: production assistant - Jo Williams; pianist - Eileen Thomas; percussion - Shelley Morris-Conlon; stage manager - Ceri Morris; lighting - David Owen; choreography - Miranda Davies and Hulda Butler; costumes - Carolyn Elms, Pauline Hunting, Pat Williams, Sybil Wiston, Francess Jones and cast; props - Bernie, Mark and Alec James; set design - Keith Williams and Ceri Morris; set construction - Keith Williams, Ceri Morris, Jo Williams and Mick Booth; box office - Pauline Hunting, Alison Skidmore and volunteers; refreshments - Joyce Owen and volunteers.

So all it leaves me to do is say - in the words of one of the songs - 'Congratulations' to all involved in another fun-filled night.

Dick Whittington, which is being staged at the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, still has two performances to run, tonight (Friday), when curtain up is at 7.30 pm, and tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, when the panto starts at 2.30 pm.

CERIS HEWLINGS