I took my kids to the Belgrade Theatre pantomime - I've never seen them laugh so much

There's something incredibly soothing about the panto at the Belgrade Theatre. It's like a big woolly jumper, a slice of your favourite cake or an episode of that TV show you still love even though you can participate in almost all of the episodes.

This isn't star-studded - H from Steps, Joe Pasquale and the cast of Loose Women were nowhere to be seen - and it doesn't feel particularly expensive to stage either, unlike some other pantos. That's its strength, it doesn't rely on gimmicks. It's good, old fashioned traditional pantomime, well written and exceptionally performed.

It's witty, clever, silly, joyful - a wonderful way to spend an evening. None of this is especially surprising; the panto at the Belgrade is always very good, but this year, it genuinely feels like the cast and crew have stepped things up.

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The brilliant Iain Lauchlan, as Sarah the Cook, in his 30th year as writer and director, takes a huge amount of the credit. Even with a croaky voice he brought, as he always does, genuine warmth to proceedings. Craig Hollingsworth, another very familiar face to Belgrade panto regulars, is back as well and on brilliant form, as he always is when in Coventry.

But, as my wife and I decided on the drive back from the Belgrade Plaza car park, the difference this year came from those who joined them. Lauchlan and Hollingsworth are both brilliant, we know that, we expect it, and they never disappoint. The supporting cast though was something else. Aonghas Ewen as Scratch was wonderful, you don't expect the villain's sidekick to steal every scene by performing show tunes and Taylor Swift, but they did.

Same with wisecracking Tommy the Cat, played hilariously by Sam Woods, Andy Hockley's King Rat and Lois Brook as Dick Whittington himself. Vocally, the whole cast was flawless, their comic timing was exceptional and all demonstrated a marvellous ability to cope with the inevitable mistakes that come from a panto so jam-packed with gags. The Belgrade panto is at its best when it starts to fall apart a little, and I get the impression this production is only going to get funnier as it continues.

Fortunately for us, it's already very funny. The Belgrade panto staples are all there, one of which made my eight-year-old laugh so hard I was a little worried for him. The show also contains two particular sections, that I won't spoil, that are brilliantly well done by the set team, who deserve immense credit.

All in all this is a very very good production. One that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible. Coventry should be incredibly proud of it's pantomime, it's truly special. You can buy tickets here.