THERE’S always a buzz surrounding panto season in Bristol, and the annual offering from the Hippodrome is renowned as being one of the very best in the country – largely thanks to the historic theatre’s ability to make the family trip to the show super special, with more than the usual amount of sparkle.

This year’s pantomime is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring TV and film star Warwick Davis as head dwarf Prof, CBeebies star Andy Day (Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures) as Muddles and Hippodrome panto comedy favourite Andy Ford returns for his seventh Bristol pantomime as the Henchman.

At first glance, it does seem that the show is lacking a leading lady, as newcomer Francesca Lara Gordon takes the title role of Snow White, but she does a fine job in what is demanding role. Kim Ismay, however, is a wonderful surprise in her role of Wicked Queen Morgiana; her wealth of TV and theatrical experience behind her and to watch her perform is far preferable to a celebrity with a big name but little talent.

The cast is particularly child friendly, with Andy Day reaching out to the kids with lots of dinosaur-related jokes and references and introducing Shaun the Sheep, who was at the centre of much amusement in the summer when the Shaun in the City trail was taking place. Although Shaun was baa-ly on stage, he did have mass appeal for the youngsters.

However it was Andy Ford who, as usual, stole the show with his wonderful West Country humour, charging onto the stage with a rendition of The Wurzel’s Blackbird Song, sung to the tune of Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk, which had everyone in stitches. This is Andy’s sixth Bristol pantomime and he has become something of an institution amongst the theatre-going folk – would Christmas ever be the same without one of Andy’s trademark pelvic thrusts.

As for Warwick Davis, he was the consummate professional throughout, leading his gang of little people through the pitfall of pantomime and making sure everyone lived happily ever after – apart from the wicked queen, that is!

Annoying pop songs were kept to a mimimum, and there was enough humour in the narrative to keep everyone engaged. This is a superb version of one of a deservedly popular pantomime; funny throughout, this is the best the Hippodrome has hosted for several years.

Snow White continues at the Bristol Hippodrome until January 3