When panto so often conjures up images of has-been entertainers and C-list reality TV stars, it is refreshing to see a production that puts its faith in talented performers and razor-sharp writing, writes Jon Nievens.

Having taken my six-year-old son to see Beauty and the Beast at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, I’m still not sure which of us had the more magical evening.

The first part of the story is told via a puppet show operated by Belle (Helen Aluko), her father Marcel (Minal Patel) and Aunty Gisele, played by Michael Bertenshaw as the bawdiest of dames.

A prince and his palace servants have been transformed into a beast and a cast of fairytale creatures by the wickedest of witches, with a terrific Grace Jones-inspired performance by Antonia Kemi Coker, who created some truly scary moments, and the witch’s daughter Prunella, with Allyson Ava-Brown, seeming to channel the spirit of Queenie from Blackadder.

The story moves along at a cracking pace, taking in a sweet factory and a haunted library, interspersed with close-to-the-knuckle jokes for the grown ups, all the ’oh no you didn’ts’ and ’behind yous’ you could wish for, and song and dance numbers featuring great songs and brilliant performances.

Jorell Coiffic-Kamall’s performance as Baby Bear stands out for his sharp moves and comic timing.

The unfolding love story between Belle and the beast, played by Vlach Aston, is genuinely touching, and leaves us with one of a number of plot twists none of the audience saw coming.

If you only go to one pantomime this year, make it this one.

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN, until January 17, 2015. Details: 020 8534 0310, stratfordeast.com