AS the mum of an 11-year-old who is more into Steps than stage plays, I thought I'd be sat on my own at this year's pantomime at Preston's Charter Theatre, with the daughter complaining she was too old for that sort of thing!

How wrong could I have been? One mention of "fancy seeing the pantomime?" and she's promising to wash up all week!

And this year's show was well worth the Christmas dinner plates -- the dishwasher really deserved the tickets.

Cheers filled the auditorium when Heartbeat star David Lonsdale, alias Wishy Washy, made his grand entrance donned in one of many typical 'dame' costumes, each of spectacular shape, size and colour!

David -- better know as 'half-wit' David in the popular television soap -- appeared completely at ease in the title role -- far more than his inaugural Preston panto' last year.

And housewives' favourite Bobby Crush wowed crowds with his polished performance.

As always Camelot's Steve Royle as Muggles amazed crowds with his highly skilled juggling and acrobatic stunts and he just has one of those faces -- with a personality to match -- that just makes you smile. He is by far one of my favourites.

Steve was joined by his off-stage wife Janet Maher alias Aladdin who won the hearts of the audience along with Precious singer Sophie McDonnell as the Princess.

The stunning set only added to the great performance -- one well worth a visit.The pantomime is on until January 6 call 01772-258858 for bookings.

By Jane Willis