Whilst there are ravens at the Tower of London, a debate about whether it’s cream or jam first, and leaves on the line bring the country to a standstill, you know that Damian Williams will appear as the Dame at the Sheffield Lyceum panto. This year his Nurse Nellie crops up in Snow White, a fairytale known for its important role of a fat bloke in a dress. (It isn’t really, but when did that matter?)

There’s always a huge buzz of anticipation for this annual treat as the packed audience look forward to ticking off each of the elements that they love and know will entertain them throughout the show. From the Bring Me Sunshine introduction, to selecting Nellie’s new boyfriend from the audience, to becoming a member of Muddles’ gang, to the ghost/bench scene, to Damian trying to make Prince Charming corpse, and of course ending up with a big wedding celebration, Snow White is full of the usual joys of the Christmas season, delivered with heart and commitment, and always extremely funny.

Heading the cast this year is Coronation Street’s Catherine Tyldesley, bringing a rather elegant villainy to the role of the Wicked Queen, and astounding us all with her sensational voice. Marc Pickering also returns as Henchman Herman, having given us his Luke Backinanger in Jack and the Beanstalk two years ago.His dream (this year) is to perform as Elton John; no surprises then, as to the nature of the big finale number. Matthew Croke and Aoife Kenny provide a terrific musical pairing as Prince Charming and Snow White, George Akid’s Muddles keeps us all shouting at him on his every appearance, and there’s some unexpected fun in the form of Quang Luong’s Henchman Viper – the Gladiator hero of the same name.

Dean Whatton’s Sarge leads a very entertaining and musical “Seven”; I particularly liked Binde Singh Johal’s rather cynical Kevin, who, at the realisation that Snow White has died (she hasn’t really, kids) just says “ah well, takeaway tonight lads”.There’s an additional member of the cast when the irrepressibly energetic musical director James Harrison – I’ll have what he’s having – joins the regulars for the bench sketch.

But it’s Damian Williams whom we’re all here to see, and once again he comes up trumps with a hilarious and punchy performance, outrageously dressed throughout, never missing an opportunity to plug this year’s sponsors, Henderson’s Relish – there are even special Damian bottles of Hendo’s with his face on, that’s how established in the Sheffield scene he is. My favourite gag this year mentioned Yakult as part of the punchline, but I won’t spoil it for everyone else.

My only quibble with this year’s production is that the amplification of the superb four-piece band was so powerful that there was a little distortion and I couldn’t always make out the lyrics to the big songs. But rest assured we have already secured our tickets for Aladdin next year. I think you should too!

Four They’re Jolly Good Fellows!