LADIES and gentleman, boys and girls - welcome to the star of this year's rock and roll show - Sir Cyril of the Wirral.

The charismatic character - bedecked in yellow suit, colour-splattered shirt and tie and Beatle moptop wig - is played by multi-talented actor and musician Tom Connor.

Tom is already a favourite on the stages of Liverpool theatres and his performance in this year's ever-popular offering further enhances his growing reputation.

His guitar work on the Queen classic I Want It All is outstanding - reminiscent of AC/DC's axe-man Angus.

But the Everyman festive show is an ensemble show and every cast member gives their all.

So, too, does the audience who happily endure an enthusiastic early soaking from water-pistol carrying characters let loose in the aisles.

This Everyman cast and crew tick all the right boxes - they can sing , dance and do anything, especially playing a range of instruments from an on-stage alcove.

The script comes yet again from the consistently inventive writing team of Sarah A. Dixon and Mark Chatterton - the latter is also the show's director.

Their established slick formula is a proven, tried and tested success.

It is one where a strong narrative tale uses songs from the Sixties to the present day. Musical director Greg Last in fine form, too.

Last year's Rapunzel had the same solid structure on a similar two-tier set from designer Dinah England allowing a lot of running around while actors and props emerge from under the stage and through dry-ice filled doors.

The costumes are of the same high standard as in previous sell-out productions.

There have been many versions of Beauty and the Beast from the original French classic to the Disney film and subsequent stage musicals -even on ice.

The Everyman stamps its own distinctive mark on its panto proceedings notably with a lovely choreographed magic wand fight scene.

Only a kiss - a sign of true love - can break an evil spell where a sensitive soul can be become the rightful king.

Amid this seasonal story-telling all manner of madness and mayhem breaks loose involving the wicked Narcissus McSissus superbly played by feisty Lucy Thatcher -lapping up the boos and hisses.

There's a Welsh-speaking mirror called Atoinette (Emmy Stonelake) and a dizzy fairy called Poppy played by Lauren Silver.

Happily it's a ten-strong cast who are all quite "Bonkers" according to the smashing programme notes.

Adam Keast and Francis Tucker are firm favourites with audiences.The duo relish it when things go wrong.

Their on-stage chemistry and effortless larking about is a mainstay of this annual fairy tale fest.

Some jokes are clearly for the adults while the breaking wind variety bring gales of laughter from the youngsters.

LIPA graduate is Rose White played by Stephanie Hockley - our down- to- earth heroine with a crystal clear voice who captures the heart of the not-too-scary king Tyrell (Beast) looking more like the Phantom of the Opera.

Raj Paul is engaging in the role - a fine, confident performance from the LAMDA trained actor in his acting debut.

The audience willingly join in when called upon - whether singing a choral clip from Sound of Music or dancing on their collective feet for the classic song The Locomotive.

Beauty and the Beast is a fast-paced, energetic show that packs a lot in for two and a half hours.

An ideal time and place to let your hair down and watch a formidable cast and crew excel at entertaining you with a sparkling journey into panto land.

And don't forget it's a chance to have a right royal appointment with deluded but delightful Sir Cyril of the Wirral.

Globe verdict: Beauty-full, beastly fun. Four stars.

Until January 21.

Box office: 0151 709 4776