MUSIC is always at the creative core of the rock 'n' roll panto at the Everyman and long may that trademark tradition continue.

When they belt out a rocker or soar with a ballad there's no stopping them - individually and collectively.

The multi-instrumentalist actors/musicians in full flow are festive factors you can count on at the Hope Street venue.

This year there’s changes in cast and crew. The children in the audience certainly responded well to the new re-telling of this fairy tale peppered with local references such as The Palm House, Liver Birds and for Wirral visitors the villain’s residence - Wallasey Town Hall.

Red Riding Hood is written by a rock 'n' roll panto stalwart Peter Rowe and directed by Everyman and Playhouse creative director Suba Das making his panto debut.

There is a welcome environmental message in there and a plot twist involving the wolf..

Yet it is a hit and miss production.

The plusses are the ten-strong cast notably Paisley Reid as Red Riding Hood and Keaton Guimaraes - Tolley as Prince Florizel the Fortunate. Both performers have a natural, likeable connection with the audience.

And bearded Grandma Millicent Merry played by Ben Welch pulls out all the bawdy stops ensuring the adults are catered for with innuendo asides.

The major minus is the running time at three hours - the show could lose at least 20 minutes without affecting the plot.

Adam Keast, who is marking 20 years as a pivotal panto star, is not used enough as the engaging Ruffles.

He is a very skilled performer who has the ability to illuminate every stage he is on. Surprisingly, his diverse talents are not tapped into enough here.

The cover version songs overseen by musical director Rob Green - range from Adele to Duran Duran and Chris de Burgh and are presented with the usual gusto and verve and there’s a lovely acoustic version of Michael Buble's Haven’t met you yet.

Some scenes have great potential, but sadly peter out - they could be developed more on the humour front, notably the Soggy Bottom, Great British Bake Off-inspired themes which are undercooked.

And more use of the physical, acrobatic clowning and less narrative would not go amiss. Potential for more anarchic fun is certainly there throughout.

This year’s panto relies far too much on the songs to keep the pace going over a lengthy running time.

Globe verdict: Three stars

Family-focused fun

Tickets from 0151 709 4776

The production is on until January 14, 2023