TWO sentences are bursting to get out of me at once in review of the Cliff's big Christmas panto Jack and the Beanstalk.

The first: "Go and take your kids to see it if you possibly can!"

The second: "Just how many Weetabix does Bobby Davro eat in the morning?"

Growing up through the 1980s and 1990s I kind of took for granted the fact that Davs was relentlessly a fixture on our TV screens during that certain period.

Seeing him perform as Silly Billy - Jack's brother in this panto - you certainly appreciate why and the level of this all-round classic entertainer's talent. Whether it's singing, doing impressions, dancing, joking, a lot of seemingly off-script ad-libbing or generally running about the theatre at top speed, his high energy performance is worth the ticket price alone.

That doesn't take anything away of course, from the glittering and hilarious performances of the all-star cast.

The beautiful Stacey Solomon played a truly glistening Mother Nature, with her sparkly outfit matching her exuberant personality and smile. And as one might hope, you do get treated to her big singing voice, which was of course what placed her under the spotlight in the first place when she was on X Factor.

Robin Askwith as Fleshcreep, the token panto baddie, played his part to the degree of a real super villain, so said my 12-year-old, and he knows about super villains far more than I.

Of course, no panto would be a proper panto, without a dame. This one was played by David Phipps-Davis, a fantastic performer with the right amount of comic delivery. It's always hard to do a review without giving away any spoilers, but I have to say, what a voice! This man trained as a classical singer at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and has had since numerous credible operatic roles. I'm so glad the production team made good use of that. What an unexpected treat!

The lead character Jack, was played by our very own Southend lad Lee Mead. Aside from his great singing, which we already know about, he gave a warm performance and had great chemistry with the rest of the cast, particularly Davro.

Top drawer dancing, an outstanding set and 3D production really were the magical icing on this Christmas cake.

I took my 11 and 12 year old children, at an age where they're becoming aware they have a rep to protect.

To see them forget all that to genuinely be rolled up with belly laughs at this fun family festive tradition for two hours was truly a joy.

You still have a chance to go yourself. It's on until Sunday January 7 at the theatre in Station Road, Southend.

Tickets start around £24.

Visit southendtheatres.org.uk for booking and more information.