GIVE EM that old razzle dazzle is the theme running through Magical Christmasland at Oakwood this year - and never more so than on the stage for this years pantomime, Robinson Crusoe.

Sparkling performances, glittering dance routines, and dazzling costumes combined to make this pantomime version of an established classic a treat for all the family.

There were some inventive twists that delighted the audience, including a Shakespeare-quoting Man Friday - played by Jonathan Sheldon, who provided the perfect foil for our hero Robinson Crusoe, played by accomplished vocalist and actor Gary Rawlings.

The plot revolves around the adventures of Robinson, his larger than life mother - played to brilliant comic effect by Martin Ramsdin - his boss, Captain Cockle, played by Paul Hurstfield and his beautiful daughter and the love interest Polly, Jodie Peach, aboard the good ship Saucy Nancy.

They fall foul of the positively brilliant Adam Daye, who as well as directing the show, played the evil pirate Bluebeard. He makes a dramatic switch this year, as for the previous four years he has trod the boards as one of the best panto dames ever. But fans need have no worries - he makes a pretty impressive baddie too!

Providing the comedy was the amiable Paul Eastwood - who quickly became the childrens favourite, while retaining an appeal for mums and dads too. His slick one-liners and admirable ad-libs really hit the spot. He is a star performer who interacts beautifully with his audience and is genuinely very, very funny.

There was excellent support given by the chorus and dancers who entertained the audience with some stunning set pieces, included an energetic sailors hornpipe; and Disney tribute Circle of Life featuring the beasts inhabiting Robinsons desert island.

There was also an enchanting Black Theatre of Prague-style set featuring the undersea world on Neptune, and visited by Yvonne Lloyd as the Spirit of the Northern Sky - the good fairy who battles with Bluebeard and looks after the interests of the heroes.

As ever and after the usual confusions, the goodies win out, the baddie gets his comeuppance and they all live happily ever after following a stunning finale. Traditional panto, with all its glitz, glamour, and genuine fun is alive and well and living at Oakwood. For your dose of festive cheer this Christmas it is a show not to be missed.

And as an additional bonus Oakwoods Magical Christmasland is also open throughout the panto season. The childrens rides are all suitably decked in sparkling Christmas lights, and all undercover.

Santa Claus has settled into his grotto home, there are adventures aplenty to be had in the Lost Kingdom adventure playground, Techniquest is really to thrill and amaze, and the Snow Blaster gives you all the fun of a mega- snowball fight - without the soggy gloves!