LIVERPOOL Neptune Theatre's fourth and most lavish pantomime, Aladdin is so big it had to be switched to the Royal Court, lighting up that venue at the Christmas season for the first time in 17 years.

It's a truly glittering show headed up by Liverpool's classiest double act since Kenny Dalglish and Graeme Souness - "Corrie" star Julie Goodyear playing a splendidly over-the-top Widow Twankey and "Sound of Fury" man Danny McCall as an Aladdin so handsome he wins the hearts of every female in the audience as well as that of the princess.

The chemistry between them is simply terrific and they make the most of a cracking and wholly acceptable script and some great songs.

They receive towering support from Merseyside Comic of the Year Leslie Gibson - you only have to look at him to laugh - and the ultra fit Gladiator-beater Eunice who revels in her astonishing athletic prowess as the genie.

Top city hairdresser Herbert, now also a TV personality, plays the Emperor, the classically trained Rachel Kirkland has returned to the 'Pool to play the princess and Terry O'Neil is suitably evil as Abanazar.

Beverley Edmunds, who is the show's choreographer, is the slave of the ring while young Michael White, in his second "Neptune" panto, supplies the magic touch with some really baffling tricks.

If I tell you that the young singers are called the Spice Kids you can guess that everything about this show is topical - and yes, the audience's competitive sing-song is "Teletubbies say eh oh."

The cast continually play to matters Liverpudlian; Everton, sadly for me, are currently good for a laugh - and Abanazar just has to be a United fan.

For the second successive year, the Neptune are presenting the city's only mainstream pantomime. Yet again, it was the choice for my Sunday School trip and the kids were entranced.

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