Elaborate on-stage magic tricks. Smoke machines and special effects. A huge 3D screen and a terrifying animatronic kraken. This certainly is not your grandad’s panto.

Considering the Christmas pantomime is so steeped in British culture, it’s impressive just how capable The Orchard Theatre’s production of Dick Whittington is of genuine awe and surprise.

This year’s Dartford show has plenty of familiar elements - shocking puns, relentless innuendo and plenty of song and dance - but the technical prowess of the production keeps it feeling fresh.

Scene transitions are incredibly seamless, the magic tricks and special effects are a delight, while the aforementioned sea beast fills the entire stage and towers over the audience.

An extended underwater sequence played out on a 3D screen also contains a few scares, but Dick Whittington will still keep the entire family grinning from ear to ear; with laughs, great sets and costumes, and a cameo from surely one of the county’s cutest canines.

And while some may find it a little intense, the 3D portion of the show is a great way of keeping this festive staple fresh and modern.

Of course, the whole show is aided by an enthusiastic lead performance from Shane Richie.

The Eastenders star is an old fashioned entertainer and uses all his experience to develop a great rapport with the crowd, with a delightful exchange with a group of lucky youngsters at the end of the show.

Even a few prop malfunctions weren’t enough to deter him from the fun, as he expertly turned the odd impromptu mistake into another moment of comedy.

Pete Gallagher is in fine form as the villainous King Rat, cracking his tail like Indiana Jones’ whip throughout, and Malcom Lord absolutely revels in his role as Mrs Fitzwarren. Although quite why we need to see that much leg, I am not sure.

Aaron Romano also provides some great physical gags as the brilliantly named Moroccan sultan, Sultan Pepper.

Richie undoubtedly steals the show, though, and acts as a great example of what can happen when celebrity stars fully embrace the wacky world of Christmas pantomimes.

A show worth seeing? Oh yes it is.

For details of all the pantos on offer across Kent click here