IT'S slapstick, it's slushy, it's full of Christmas magic. Panto is back in Calderdale – and it's one of the best shows yet.

But who needs big budget, big names for the district's end-of-year spectacular when home-grown stars can shine so bright?

Halifax's very own Neil Hurst leads the way at the Victoria Theatre as comic genius Buttons.

The former Courier Courioke champ hit a high note yet again with great songs, boundless energy and corny gags.

It was the local entertainer's first professional panto in his home town after treading the boards across the country and he was on top form with quips relating to everything from Ziggy's Taxis to a night at the Acca.

He introduces the ghost of Eddie, the humble headless cheese slicer from Sowerby Bridge, in a side-splitting scene with Ugly Sisters Flatula (Nick Barclay) and Verucca-ka-ka (Stuart Slavicky).

Then there's our beautiful heroine Cinderella played by Shelf actress Jennifer Burrows.

From the opening routine as she whirls around the colourful town square with the children of the chorus to a touching duet, performing the Take That song We Can Rule The World with the charming Prince Charming (Alice McGreevy) at the edge of the royal forest.

The show – which lasts more than two and a half hours – is very much back to basics for the Victoria but it's not without some wow-factor special effects, especially where our Cinders is transformed from scullery maid into beautiful Princess Crystal complete with flying horse and pumpkin carriage.

The sets and dance routines are equally colourful as we are taken on a wonderous journey from the kitchen of Hardup Hall to the majestic ballroom of the royal castle, accompanied by rousing live music from the Peter Golding band.

And then the clock struck midnight and well, you know the rest.

The show, written by Tweenies creators Iain Lauchlan and Will Brenton, is directed by Steve Boden. It runs until Sunday, January 3.