Fancy a dose of alternative medicine? If so, The Theatre, Chipping Norton, is serving up an alternative to the usual Christmas panto. This year's show tells the story of Rapunzel, a magic plant that first surfaced 400 years ago, and was later the subject of a Grimms' fairy tale. Now the Rapunzel plant comes bang up to date as a herbal pick-me-up. Gorman's wife is expecting a baby, and has a strong craving for the plant, which she can see growing next door. Gorman (Stuart Slavicky) steals a leaf or two for her, but is promptly caught by owner Malignia, an evil sorceress. "Take the Rapunzel, but your wife will pay for it with her life," Malignia cackles, adding ominously: "You will suffer sorely; you'll become a creepy-crawly."

Gormon must also hand over his unborn daughter (to be named Rapunzel) when she reaches the age of 12. This being a fairy tale, Rapunzel (Helen Hurd) not only turns into a beautiful girl, but also develops into a decidedly feisty character. Locked up by Malignia in an impregnable tower, she has every intention of escaping.

"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair," cry her rescuers. They are ready to use Rapunzel's auburn locks as a rope to climb up to her. Among them are handsome Prince Florimond (Lewis Cook, pictured with Helen Hurd, right), Woodie the Woodlouse (Catrin Livsey, who captures woodlouse body language to perfection), and Malignia's sister Benevola. Tall, thin, and decked out to look like a cheerful yellow flower, Benevola is every inch the modern panto dame: she's full of get up and go. Dereck Walker is here in his first panto dame role, and a fine job he makes of it. Also in attendance are Drumbo and Dimm (Rowan Talbot and Simon McCoy, an excellent comedy double act). How to describe them in this politically correct age? No need, their names say it all. As for Malignia (Julie Hobbs), with her Goth hair and flashing eyes, it's difficult to ignore her as she sees her evil powers slip away.

Simon Brett's witty script seamlessly incorporates custard pie splattering, and "he's behind you" routines, there are robust musical numbers (Peter Pontzen) and colourful sets and costumes (Simon Higlett and Angela Dodson). Director Caroline Sharman keeps the action moving at a cracking pace, and gives the sparky young Pippins chorus plenty to do. Chippy has done it again: this is a fresh, top-notch show for all ages.

I would like to add a personal postscript. For many years I went to the Chippy panto with my colleague Jeannine Alton, who died recently. I greatly missed the robust debate about the show we would always have as we drove home afterwards. She gave every bit as much attention to a panto as she devoted to a major new Shakespeare production at Stratford.

Rapunzel continues at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, until January 12. Tickets: 01608 642350 or www.chippingnortontheatre.com