★★★☆☆ Imagine, if you will, that you are stoned, mind-tripping in a happy place and hanging out with friends when someone puts the stereo on to play a jazz-fusion psychedelic remix of The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. In your mind’s eye your friends have changed into 1960’s Carnaby Street chic . . .

★★★★☆ It begins with the lead male character Tamino being pursued by a monster, in this production a rather ridiculous giant prawn, in the opening scene. The surreal dystopia also sees wild animals tamed by a magic flute and three boys flying away in a bicycle-powered mechanical fish.

★★★★★ With a cast of pantomime veterans and newbies, the whole company instantly puts you in a good mood; you cannot help but smile even from the opening number. Birmingham based panto debutant Meera Syal clearly enjoys herself playing the magical and forgetful mermaid . . .

At this time of year it is always going to be a sure fire winner, being a culmination of a timeless festive fairy tale brought alive by some of the most sumptuously accessible and familiar tunes in the repertoire. Over the years it has become a family favourite . . .

★★★★☆ This play is both tragedy and comedy. There is something unique about military humour. Some of it is, of course, banter and inter-service rivalry . But some of the funniest moments were rooted in the politically incorrect and utterly insensitive dark humour that those who face the worst aspects of humanity employ as a mechanism to help them cope.