BEAUTY and the Beast may be the “tale as old as time” but Highcliffe Charity Players have certainly added a few new twists in this year’s panto.

Cue in two disgruntled French traffic wardens, the Family Guy theme tune and an enchanted castle with the voice of X-Factor “Voiceover Man” Peter Dickson, and you’re somewhere near it.

Stunning sets, slick choreography and a bustling band make for a top quality show and this panto is no exception.

Though starting well, the show really starts cooking in the second half as panto-centric jokes become more and more outrageous and the one liners really get rattling… the “cancan” team are true heroes.

If a panto is only as good as its dame, David Coward happily carries the pressure cheerily and is very funny as the Widow Bon Bon.

There are lovely performances from Jane Melling as Flossy and Kim Doyle as Candy, while Pete Whitaker is a natural as the cheeky ‘Sherbert’ and Malcolm George plays evil King Jasper with brilliant relish.

Coral Norton twinkles as Princess Bonnie with her enchanting singing voice, whilst Lee Mcgowan astounds with a superb voice and is very loveable as the Beast and Prince Casper.

And while we’re on superb singers, Valerie Gillard also delights as Fairy Rose.

Good all round family fun.