STANDING ovations are a hard thing to come by especially in the world of children's entertainment, but Cowdenbeath man Liam A. Black’s innovative new production of Aladdin received one almost every night!

This spectacular laugh a minute production featured the best costumes in the business, full sets and scenery, musical numbers and stunning special effects such as a full size dragon and a magical flying carpet, without the use of any wires, hydraulics or visible supports, a real wow moment!

Playing to packed houses last week at the Corn Exchange Theatre, Cupar, Fife based production company Liam A Black Theatrical, broke last year's box office records for Cinderella with Aladdin almost doubling in ticket sales.

The script was hilarious with topical jokes about Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, McEwans Dept Store and Nicola Sturgeon.

The very Scottish production featured a cast and crew from all over Scotland, with several well known actors from this area.

Fife based writer, producer and comic, Liam A Black, is a master of the quadruple entendre and sure knows how to play an audience, from the second he rolled onto the stage as the dame, Widow Twankey, the star of the show, on his comedy bike he had the audience in the palm of his hand with expert ad libs and incredible costumes.

Diane C Peet (Dunfermline) and Sean Mitchell (Lochgelly) were very scary yet hysterical pantomime baddies as Abanazar and Diagio the parrot, we particularly enjoyed the childcatcher-esque remarks about poisoning the children's sweeties! Special mention must go to Sarah Fisken who made Diagio’s incredible head dress!

Fiona Main (who was brought up in Lochgelly but now lives in Bonnybridge) made a fabulous Sultana after her pantomime debut last year as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella. Only Fiona could transform a hall of loud children into silent awe with her beautiful voice.

Linzi Devers (Edinburgh) as the Princess and Laura Jane Smith (Kinross) as Aladdin were delightful as traditional pantomime leads with Laura Jane revamping the age old tradition of the principal boy being portrayed by a girl.

Act One ended in the cave of wonders, a glittering set with pyrotechnic elements, the Genie arrived portrayed by Andrew Gardiner (Dunfermline) wearing a spectacular beaded, sequinned and appliquéd costume, specifically designed for the show by Liam and Kerry Black, singing a glitzy showtune medley.

Aladdin was a most impressive and highly entertaining production, appealing to a wide range of ages from toddlers to silver haired pensioners!

Liam A Black Theatrical are set to return to the Corn Exchange for the 2017 season due to the high public demand with yet another brand new lavish pantomime production being devised especially for a Fife audience.