Honiton Pantomime Society is treading the boards this week.

A BABY dragon called Smoulder (Jaime Crudge) is stealing audiences’ hearts at Honiton Pantomime Society’s production of King Arthur.

“I liked the dragon the best, because she was cute,” said Lara Oak, six, of Honiton. “I also liked singing by Roanna Blackmore (Olivia, a lady in waiting)”

Lara’s brother, James, eight, said: “My favourite moment was when the dragon arrived.”

The rip-roaring show, being staged at Honiton Community College until tomorrow (Saturday), offers excellent value for money - 12 sets, 16 songs, fantastic costumes and enthusiastic performers who dance and sing their way through an almost three hour spectacle.

Set in Camelot, the pantomime, directed by Di Wall, tells the story of King Arthur (Phil Wall), his lusty Queen Guinevere (Max Pipe), two courting couples - Sir Lancelot (Beth Hibbert) and Olivia (Roanna Blackmore), and Sally Simple (Vicki Halse) and Squirt (Adam Smith Jones) - and their battle with evil sorceress Morgana (Lou Pottinger) and her son, Mordred (Shaun Bonetta).

Merlin, the court wizard, played by Kyle Bonetta-Martin, adds a touch of poetic magic to the show.

In the audience last night (Thursday) were work colleagues of Vicki Halse (Sally Simple). They enjoyed a night of laughter.

“They have twisted words to make everything so funny,” said Emily Stallworthy, 29.

Sue Causon, 53, was particularly impressed by the evil duo’s version of Tina Turner’s Simply The Best. She said: “It was energetic and there was audience participation.”

Enjoying ice creams during the interval were Dr David Penwarden and his wife, Heather. “We come most years,” said Dr Penwarden.

Heather said: “It is very good - you can see a lot of work and effort has gone into the show.”

Dr Penwarden’s favourite moment was “the horses”, featured during a jousting contest between Sir Lancelot and Mordred. Heather’s highlight was “the costumes”.

Choreographer Emma Foley deserves special praise for putting together some truly amazing dance routines.

The Midweek Herald’s hot picks:Musical highlights - Simply The Best (Lou Pottinger and Shaun Bonetta) and Hopelessly Devoted To You (Roanna Blackmore and Beth Hibbert); Best comedy duo - Vicki Halse and Adam Smith Jones; Best dance: Thriller; Outstanding dance performances - Emma Foley and Chloe Pottinger; Funniest moment - when a big, hairy spider frightened Sally Simple away; Costume innovation - Smoulder the dragon; Most entertaining set - The Royal Bedchamber - Max Pipe and Phil Wall; Outstanding overall performances - Lou Pottinger and Shaun Bonetta.

Ticket information is available from Honiton Toy Shop.