IT'S rock 'n' roll panto time - a genre that the Everyman Theatre specialise in.
Indeed, it's always a much- anticipated show on their creative calendar.

An entertainment aimed at all ages and long may that tradition continue.

They have built a solid reputation gained over the decades for musicianship of the highest order in the process. Nothing has changed.

Their current 11 strong cast illustrate such diverse talent and delightful dexterity in action.

Actors at the Everyman are always adept at playing a variety of  instruments as characters become members of the on stage band in whatever madcap guise created for them individually and collectively.

Rapunzel is this year's frenetic fairy tale given the Everyman stamp.

And, as if by magic, the programme notes seem rather prophetic.

Nathan Powell (creative director) and Everyman chief executive Mark Da Vanzo say: "Don't worry if the story gets a little tangled, that's all part of the fun."

A tale of hairdressing domination is the key plot line in Jude Christian's script.
And yes it's a dilemma -  it gets knotted, so to speak.

Director Francesca Goodridge  directs on full throttle so there's not much time to digest some of the safe gags.

Rapunzel is stuck in a tower by crazy salon owner -  Danny Ruff.

Zoe West as DR here displays her comic timing as a deluded Mancunian stylist with hair-brained ambitions. But who will help Ali Kumar's Rapunzel to escape?

There's plenty lining up for the task notably potty Prince Boskovic -a  cross between the Shrek aristocrat Lord Farquaad and any knight in Spamalot.

Rebecca Levy plays reliable intern Laurie and Michael Starke's Debbie Updo is a toned-down dame figure.

Michael dons plenty of outrageous costumes and provides an impressive Blondie medley.

Adam Keast is our guide of sorts billed as Fairy Fixer Upper.

After 22 years doing panto he strolls about the stage with a confidence to match. Yet his material on press night lacked  his usual sparkle.

I'm sure it will get funnier and more anarchic (his trademark) as the run continues. More interaction between Adam and Michael wouldn't go amiss.
Here lies a made-in-panto-heaven double-act in waiting.

Don't comb the hair-brained story for plot holes. It will unravel like Rapunzel's barnet.

There's always the songs to enjoy. And there's plenty of them from Don't Stop Me Now to The Boys Are Back in Town and Living on a Prayer.

A highlight is Ed Sheeran's Castle on The Hill. Ironically, there's no castle in view.

There are, however,  plenty of local location references with Wallasey and Bikenhead getting name-checked. And surprisingly Warrington comes in for some stick.

Topical jokes are few. A comedy satire conditioner is called for.

Music-wise Oasis feature in dispatches and it all leads to a super sing-a-long finale with Don't Look Back in Anger.

This panto has all the right  components and with a bit more risk-taking and much-needed ad-libbing it would improve its star rating.

For now it's a rock and roll panto where the comedy takes on a supporting role.

Hair-Raising Capers
3 Stars
Until January 18
0151 709 4776.