Pantomime's something that we've craved for the last twelve months, with many local companies missing out on the calendar staple last time round. However, alongside a number of their contemporaries, Brierley Hill Musical Theatre Company are returning to the stage with their new production of Aladdin.

Credit: Facebook/Cllr Adam Davies

Based on the traditional festive favourite, the show see's Aladdin (Rebecca Thorne) lusting after Princess Jasmine (Jess Skidmore) but with one major hurdle - her parents! Fighting to get his girl, our lead evades the police, stops short of having his head cut off and manages to save the day with a bit of help from his trusty genie (James Luckins).

I say this every time we talk about amateur productions - and it still rings true. The use of the word 'amateur' seems incredibly unfair. Thee performers on stage this evening, alongside the creative team are anything but, with a wealth of talent on show. Thorne and Skidmore excel in their roles, with a good chemistry and classic panto style that puts a smile on the audience's faces.

Krystian Wharton plays a brilliantly silly Wishee Washee, however with a pedigree of 25 or more pantomime's under his belt, he's had time to build the silly billy character and is an incredibly safe pair of hands for the role. Alongside 'Mom', Widow Twanky, played brilliantly by Chris Psaras, the duo add a welcome comic element to the show. Chris also delivers a heartfelt message to the audience just before the finale which, as with so many companies across the country, is clearly an unscripted, genuine 'thank you' for sticking with theatre and coming back post-pandemic.

Credit: Facebook/Brierley Hill Musical Theatre Company

Special mention should go to Tom Ruff for his stint as Emperor Tipton the 12th. Playing a beautifully sterotypical Black Country 'husband', Ruff was a brilliant fall guy for Empress (Meg Luckins), the duo delivered the smiles for the older generations in the auditorum - and did so perfectly.

That said, whilst mentions of the principals is one thing, we shouldn't forget the ensemble, nor the dancers - Meghan, Ellie, Jen, Kately, Ellie Rhi and Josh - who seemed to be changing costume every five minutes! Not putting a foot wrong, the routines were polished, the stamina was top-notch and they should all give themselves a pat on the back.

Being back in a theatre - whether that's sitting waiting for a West End transfer or watching a community show with passionate locals - is something I think we've all taken for granted, but also one thing a huge chunk of the country are craving. As the contry starts to open up and larger events become more accessible again, adding this show to your to-do-list for this week should go without saying!

Aladdin runs at Brierley Hill Civic Hall until Saturday 29th January, with performances on 23rd, 27th, 28th and 29th. For more details, or to get your tickets, head online to bhillcivic.co.uk.