The evergreen Maureen Lipman – now nudging 80 – and comedy magician Pete Firman ensure Richmond Theatre’s panto, which runs until Jan 5, is a thoroughly entertaining romp.

Luke McCall as the Beast serenades Belle (Hope Dawe)

With wall-to-wall gags and a simply magnificent dame in Ben Stock (centre, above), the two-hour show scores on all levels. It’s a winner with children, who instantly adopt the Buttons-like Firman, playing Silly Billy, as their on-stage ally, and it’s a hoot for adults, who pick up on the mischievous innuendo that sails straight over the heads of younger audience members.

From start to finish, the show is lively, colourful and in-your-face. Yet the cast size is remarkably small, with much doubling and trebling up by the tight little ensemble, necessitating a constant whirl of lightning costume changes behind the scenes.

Pete Firman strikes just the right note as Silly Billy

Dame Maureen has a wicked sense of humour as Mrs Potty, and interacts well with Firman, who intersperses his appearances with occasional magic tricks, adding another dimension to the panto.

“It’s a lovely show,” said Maureen. “It’s the transformation story; the ugly duckling who becomes the swan.”

The ritual, kind-hearted humiliation of four invited children just before the finale number is one of the highlights, with Firman’s expressions as he fields unexpected responses to his questions a real hoot.

“It’s great looking out and seeing all the faces,” said cheeky chappie Firman. “It’s one of the few shows great granny and great grandchildren can all enjoy at the same time.”

Firman & Lipman – a great double act

Yes, there’s the Beauty and the Beast story underlying the show, but the flights of fancy, the hilarious tongue-twister scene and the audience participation in songs and magic make this a truly enjoyable night.

It doesn’t take itself too seriously. Some of the gags are directed at fellow cast members and the production itself, with the actors having a tongue-in-cheek dig at having to do matinees as well.

All in all a terrific night out, with Luke McCall playing the Beast, Jason Leigh Winter the baddie and the silky-voiced Cherece Richards as the fairy. Hope Dawe is Belle, the Beauty.

Tickets from the box office, from £13.

Pics: Danny Kaan