THIS week marks the sixth ever Allan Stewart Big, Big Variety Show in Edinburgh King’s Theatre, writes Times theatre critic Kerry Black.

Famed as Edinburgh’s favourite pantomime dame, the multi-talented Allan Stewart is joined as ever by his panto sidekick and best pal, Edinburgh’s own Grant Stott, plus the ever reliable Andy Pickering Orchestra for a sparkling night of laughter and music.

Opening with “Get This Party Started”, you could be forgiven for believing that Shirley Bassey was on stage as Allan proved that he doesn’t need wigs and heels to embody the spirit of a true Dame!

You know it’s going to be a fabulous evening when you see the star studded audience flocking into the theatre. Last night was no exception as I spied Susan Boyle, who has previously appeared in this show, in the foyer, plus Lochgelly’s own superstar, Dick Campbell!

There was the usual daft banter between Grant and Allan, as they traversed the years via a drop down video screen of treasured family photos, before vocal group Soul Nation burst onto the stage with their tight harmonies.

The most unlikely sounding guest of the night was Kev Orkian, an Armenian, comedy pianist, who brought the house down with his interpretation of Elton John’s music which he told us he had learned from a scratched CD-true comedy gold!

The second half saw the return of the infamous McRobert Brothers (AKA Allan and Grant as a pair of chakkit folk singers fae Effin)and their ever increasing band of cousins (ie the bobble hatted Kev and Soul Nation). As Grant says’ “That’s not in the panto!”

The final guest of the evening was comedy magician, Mandy Muden who recently appeared on Britain’s Got Talent. Despite microphone malfunctions she proved that the show must go on!Later Grant did a big solo number looking back on his days as a DJ in the Edinburgh nightclubs of the 80s, before Allan’s big finale. Allan reflected on how Sunday Night at the London Palladium had transformed his career before ending the evening with his own unique version of Bohemian Rhapsody.

If you’re looking for a great laugh with a big, big, show that has everything from Beethoven to Boogie Woogie with bobble hats, head to the King’s this week for a brilliant five star evening of top quality entertainment. It runs until Saturday night. Bravo, Allan Stewart!