Q: WHERE can you find tap dancing pumpkins, giant spiders, a flying Nolan sister and a crooning teddy bear this Christmas?

A: On the Alhambra stage - in this year’s spectacular pantomime, Cinderella.

With thrilling special effects, including a jaw-dropping 3D woodland adventure, lively song-and-dance routines and some good old-fashioned slapstick fun, this glittering production had a packed audience enthralled.

And taking centre stage was Bradford's favourite funnyman, Billy Pearce, starring in his 19th Alhambra panto. Oh yes he is!

From the moment he burst onto the stage, via an impressive magic trick, with his traditional cry of "Hiya Kids!" Billy had us in the palm of his hand. Anyone who has seen Billy in panto before will know his jokes and little asides, and that familiarity makes them all the funnier. "I'm Buttons... this year," he said, with a knowing smile.

With his boundless energy, exquisite comic timing and endearing blend of cheeky wit and Yorkshire charm, Billy lit up the stage and had us in fits of laughter throughout. His fast-paced knockabout 'Hardup Hall' routine, with the Fairy Godmother, Dandini and the Ugly Sisters, was a masterclass in physical comedy. Anyone with tickets for the front row would be advised to take along a brolly!

Billy brought a lovely pathos to Buttons, particularly in the heart-melting scene when he realises Cinders is in love with the Prince. "Who do you think you are? Meghan Markle?" he gasped.

The show was a visual feast, with sumptuous costumes by Mike Coltman and spectacular special effects by The Twins FX. No spoilers here - but the glass coach transformation scene is the most awesome thing I've ever seen in a panto. And the 3D journey through the enchanted forest is pretty scary, but in a good way. It's all part of the panto experience.

Producers Qdos Entertainment hit the headlines recently when its Manchester panto came under fire from an audience member for saucy humour. You expect a bit of innuendo in panto, and Cinderella struck just the right balance of family fun, with an occasional nod and a wink to the grown-ups.

Coleen Nolan was a delightful Fairy Godmother, sprinkling warmth and humour with a twinkle in her eye. What a treat to see her perform the Nolans classic I'm In The Mood For Dancing, setting the scene for the glittering Royal Ball.

The panto is a family affair this year, with Coleen's son, Shane Nolan, showcasing his singing skills as the Prince's amiable pal Dandini. Not sure Ed Sheeran hit Shape of You worked as a 'Prince Like You' duet with Prince Charming, but overall the song and dance numbers, led by a talented young dance ensemble, were great, racing along to Stillie Dee's slick choreography.

Graham Hoadly and Jack Land Noble were a fabulous double act as Ugly Sisters Hernia and Verruca, Sarah Goggin was sweet and a little feisty as Cinderella, and Sam Barrett was a suitably regal Prince Charming.

And well done to the talented youngsters from the Sara Packham Theatre School who stole the stage as the Sunbeams. Their performance of Hard Knock Life with Billy was a highlight of the show.

Lovely to see the Sunbeams get one of the biggest cheers in the year we celebrate the centenary of the Alhambra's junior performers tradition.

The Sunbeams were established at the theatre by Francis Laidler in 1917 to light up the darkness of the First World War years.

A hundred years later, this terrific production does the Alhambra's long panto tradition proud. Thanks to Billy and the gang, the auditorium will continue to be filled with laughter this Christmas, and beyond.

* Cinderella runs until January 28. For tickets call (01274) 432000.