We have just returned home from the first performance of the summer pantomime, Pirates at the Pavilion.

The producer told us they had been rehearsing like mad with nobody there, and the matinee this afternoon was the first time in front of a live audience, and would we please excuse any mistakes they made.

Needless to say there were no mistakes or hesitations. Everything went to plan.

The first half was a bit quiet, especially with only around 25 people in the audience on a hot summer day.

However, the second half had all the usual pantomime funny scenes, which were carried off with great gusto and had us all laughing out loud.

There was a little bit of water spraying in the second half as well, which was very pleasant on a hot day, and although there was only a small number of us watching, we made quite a noise with the usual responses, ‘oh no it isn’t’, and ‘he’s behind you’.

Some of the dancing girls came out and danced with the kids in the aisles as well, which put smiles on their faces.

I am 72 now, but the panto still makes me feel like a kid.

The cast came out into the reception area afterwards to sign programmes, so we told them how much we had enjoyed it.

All up to the usual standard.

Brian Hutchings Weymouth