FOUR fairy-lighted Christmas trees greet audiences as they enter the venue aided by the sleigh-bell- infused welcome warblings from Wham, Slade and Shaking Stevens. . .

'Tis the much-awaited festive offering.

And this year well-versed writer Kevin Fearon and accomplished director Mark Chatterton collaborate on a rock and roll, soul and pop panto which turns the tale of Little Red Riding Hood on its head.

It all centres in Lidlpool where two villains Cash and Carry (played by Andrew Schofield and Keddy Sutton respectively) are trying to evict widow grandma (Lindzi Germain) from her cottage to build a car park but Little Red (Lydia Rose Morales- Scully) and her feller Big Blue (Adam McCoy) are not going to let it happen.

And that means averting a lunar disaster where people will be turned into werewolves.

Aiding the good fight is Liam Tobin's Bob The Builder.

After some football banter, our hero and heroine Red and Blue must make a journey to outer space to paint the moon black.

This will keep any wolf from the door.

No need to e-mail Professor Brian Cox -  it's a handy but bizarre plot device to use galactic-themed hits including Elton John's Rocket Man and the Carpenters' classic Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft.

Other songs feature Stuck in the Lidl with You by Stealers Wheel and Queen's Dont' Stop Me Now with a marvellous guitar solo from Mike Woodvine - a member of the five piece top-notch on stage band under musical director Howard Gray's baton . . .  and I'm sure there's a joke there.

Chantel Cole as 'stage manager' and Emma-Grace Arends are impressive singers and add some diverse cracking vocals throughout the two-hour plus production.

Keddy Sutton is at her clownish best - a fireball of invention and energy. Her Cilla impersonation is now compulsory for any Court comedy.

And Andrew Schofield in an outrageous suit struts his way through some lovely expletive packed outbursts.

Lindzi's timing and acute asides are always a joy to behold. She wins the Scouse Sneerer of the Year award

Full marks to Ellie Light's stage and set design which creates the right uplifting atmosphere.

The Scouse Red Riding Hood is a fast-paced and fun-filled ensemble with plenty of local references from Widnes to Wirral in a grown-up only show that ticks all the Christmas boxes.

****
Howls of Laughter

Until January 18.
0151 709 4321