He's a clever fella that Steven Blakeley.

Steven Blakeley? Not exactly a household name but a face known to millions from ITV's hit Sixties cop drama Heartbeat, in which he played the hapless but well-meaning PC Geoff Younger for four series.

Now the powers-that-be have blown the whistle on the long-running programme, Steven has turned his talents to one of his great loves, pantomime.

Having appeared with great success in the last four pantos at Windsor, he is back again this year. And not content with being one of the stars, this time he has written and directed the show.

Has he bitten off more than he can chew? Well, apparently not, for this is one of the most lively, energetic and entertaining pantos staged at the Theatre Royal in a very long time.

Full of sparkle, laughter and eye-catching routines, it's a Christmas cracker of a show. What's more, each and every one of the cast looks as though they are thoroughly enjoying themselves, no matter what ridiculous things they are called on to do. And they are all required to do something of everything for this is one of the most 'democratic' of pantos with all those on stage given a chance to shine.

Even the good fairy, played by the ever-youthful Anita Harris, still getting wolf whistles despite it being her sixth decade in showbiz, gets to sing several songs rather than simply appearing from time to time at the side of the stage in a flash of magic dust.

Possibly revelling in the razzamatazz of it all more than anyone is Matthew Kelly, who has a perpetual smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye is the role of King Walter of Windsoria.

As well as Steven Blakeley, who plays Dame Nellie Trott there's a welcome return for another face who has become as familiar in Windsor as a certain royal personage. Kevin Cruise has the pivotal role of Simon Trott and watching him revel in it all it's easy to see why he has been invited back for his third Windsor panto. His hilarious monologue giving directions through the environs of Windsor and Slough is tongue-twistingly clever and the disco spoof, complete with 'boy band' is worth the price of the admission ticket alone.

Originally engaged as one of the ensemble, young Scott Morgan, still in his third year of training at The London Studio Centre, gets the chance to climb swiftly up the ladder, replacing Anthony Kavana as Jack. He puts in such an assured and confident performance that anyone in the audience unaware of the change of cast could not possibly have realised that he was a relatively late substitute.

The love interest is provided by Olivia Scott-Taylor as Princess Jilliana, known to millions of Sunday evening TV viewers from the Wild At Heart series. It's a long way from sub-baked Africa to frosty Windsor but she is perfect in the role - and proves to have a fine singing voice.

Former James Bond girl Britt Ekland is another Windsor returnee from last year as the Giants' sidekick Jemima Fleshcreep and, like the rest of the cast, throws herself wholeheartedly into this most British of traditions.

The stage crew have worked wonders in creating an extremely impressive Giant who, for most of the show is just a voice until making a spectacular entrance to do battle with Jack.

Nathan Vaughan Harris, seen a few years ago at Windsor as the Genie of the Lamp, combines the role of Lord Neville Chamberlain with singing and dancing alongside a small but talented ensemble, while a selection of young performers join in with equal gusto. Even Postman Pat puts in an appearance.

I've been to very few pantos where the audiences reacts with such gusto to the proceedings on stage and the warm atmosphere this creates gives the performers plenty of chance to relax and respond.

And if ever there was proof of what a fine show this is it could be seen in the row in front of me where two tots, brought along by their grandparents, sat enthralled and fidgetless for the entire proceedings.

Demand for tickets at this year's panto is unprecedented so don't leave it too late to book for this wonderfully entertaining production.

Jack and the Beanstalk is at The Theatre Royal, Windsor, until Sunday January 6. Contact the box office on 01753 853888 or www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk