CHEESY smiles, corny jokes and plenty of audience participation – it can only be Bournemouth Pavilion’s panto.

This year, UK Productions presents Sleeping Beauty – the classic fairytale of a princess who pricks her finger and sleeps for 100 years, after a curse by evil fairy Carabosse.

Except this version features rather an extension to the original story – which had its happy ever after not long after curtain up in act two.

Many favourites make their return in new guises, including the hugely popular Noel Brodie as Silly Billy, with his partner in crime, the brilliant David Ball as Nursie.

Milkshake’s Olivia Birchenough made a pretty and pleasant princess, while Rita Simons – fresh out of the I’m A Celebrity jungle – was perfectly cast as Carabosse and completely stole the show even before she effortlessly belted out an impressive bluesy number in act two.

A couple of the song and dance numbers felt a little superfluous and the storyline appeared almost an afterthought but, on the plus side, this meant there was more time for the clever comedy sketches with Silly Billy, Nursie and The King.

Although a little lacklustre in act one, the jokes certainly upped the ante in the second half, and the kids (and plenty of adults too!) were clearly thrilled to be able to join in with the Baby Shark dance.

There were a few stumbles over lines, but it wouldn’t be panto without a few on-stage giggles.

Overall, a slick, upbeat show, full of fun.

Sleeping Beauty is at Bournemouth Pavilion until January 6.