HAVING seen a fair few Malton pantos over the years, this one has the blend of enthusiasm and talent that has made them the talk of the town for half a century and – dare I say it – still well worth comparing with the big city professional productions.

Gemma Williams’s slick Robinson Crusoe And The Pirates has to rank up there with the best of the many great John Coates pantos of earlier years.

New dame Rory Queen is proving a more boisterous successor to the late, great Fred Bower. He and Malton’s hilarious favourite comic, Mark Poole, as Nutty Nick, are the core of this fast-moving production. Their traditional kitchen scene, this time plus wine tasting, is priceless.

All the performers in a cast of more than 70 give their all. There was a smile on every face from the tiniest tot to dancers, pirates, sailors and principals and supporting players.

The “big fight” scene between the sailors and the pirates has to stand out. It is not often the Milton Rooms is invaded with such gusto by nearly 60 kids and adults, right down the central aisle. The simultaneous freeze by everyone on stage for a solitary “Oops! Sorry!” natural wind break by one small child is nothing short of directorial genius.

Capping it all has to be an Under The Sea music and figurine sequence from stage manager Martin Parrott and show manager Mark Boler.

Such highlights ensure children and adults stay rooted to their seats during an overlong first half, when the notoriously uncomfortable chairs might otherwise have produced fidgeting.

Costumes are as bright as new buttons, while Jo Claire’s scenery is vibrantly crowded with colour and the many sets are swiftly and seamlessly changed by Martin Parrott’s efficient stage team.

Add imaginative lighting and excellent sound from Richard Nortcliffe’s tech team, mix in the keyboard, piano and drumming talents of Andrew Nix, John Piercy and Gill Boler, and the result is pure magic. With luck you may still acquire a ticket for the last few shows on 01653 600048 or at the door.

* Robinson Crusoe & The Pirates, Malton & Norton Musical Theatre, Milton Rooms, Malton, at 7.15pm tonight, 2.15pm and 7.15pm tomorrow.