A show for all ages, with a strong storyline, imaginative sets and excellent cast makes Salisbury Playhouse’s production of Mother Goose a festive family treat.

The pantomime – directed by Joyce Branagh and assistant Dave Orme, with Rebekah Hughes as its musical director – is sheer delight.

The Dame, Mother Goose, who runs a bird sanctuary, is played brilliantly by Kieran Buckridge, who also composed the music and co-wrote the lyrics with scriptwriter Andrew Pollard.

Squire Dillydally and his niece, Milly, are played by Howard Coggins and Lucy Faint.

Robert Rees is the Dame’s son, Billy Goose, and Johanne Murdock is the endearing West Country Fairy Flutter, whose magic counteracts the schemes of the evil fairy, Demonica Baddegg, played menacingly by Ella Vale. The undoubted star of the show, however, is the truly wonderful goose, Priscilla, played by Lacy Jordinson, whose unfailing charm and nifty footwork capture everyone’s affection.

Slick routines are danced expertly by a dozen young performers, whose teams of six, the Red Robins and the Blue Birds, play alternate performances.

Traditional panto ingredients are here in good measure and slapstick comedy, involving Howard Coggins, Robert Rees and gallons of wallpaper paste, is hilarious.

There are plenty of topical local jokes. “He’s so silly, he thought it a good idea to dig a tunnel under Stonehenge.” The stone circle is even one of the settings.

Special effects range from magical puffs of smoke to a goujon machine and the goose’s flight. Designer Maggie Rawlinson has done a great job.

Swirling coloured spotlights at the start of both acts rivet attention, as the audience waits with baited breath for action on stage. Subsequently, their eager participation is at full volume: cheering, yelling, booing and jigging excitedly to the music.

The customary song contest focuses on golden eggs laid by Priscilla in her basket nest, high above a waterwheel.

Costumes are fantastic and the entire production brims with fun.

Any nastiness is completely banished; even the bad fairy is reformed and the ultimate message – “The best things in life are love and friendship” – is an apt finale.