The show must go on is a familiar phrase in the theatre world.
And on it went - at press night at Liverpool's Epstein Theatre - despite star of the show West End and Emmerdale actor Ben Richards falling victim to covid.
Beauty and the Beast's Fairy Rose Kelly Sweeney was another casualty - but did it matter? - not one bit.
Ballet-trained Understudy Tom Fothergill did an outstanding job playing the strong and handsome Gaston making the panto's main antagonist an extremely likeable and comedic character.
And while the show's choreographer Nazene Langfield, who stepped in nobly as the Fairy, may have needed to rely on the story book on occasions when reciting her lines it didn't detract at all from what was a perfect panto.
So it started a little on the slow side, in my humble opinion, but once it got going Beauty and the Beast had all the ingredients necessary for a fantastic festive show.
We got wet thanks to the inevitable water pistols fired from the stage, sang Sweet Caroline - not entirely sure how the England good-luck charm became pantomime fodder but it has - and we laughed out loud at lots of flatulence-inspired jokes - which always go down well with younger members of the audience.
There were no weak links in a cast that worked tirelessly to entertain with quick-fire jokes, comedy sketches and a few fine songs.
It's hard to pick out a stand-out star of the show because all played their part in what felt very-much like a family affair.
Lewis Devine, as French Frank, was a real crowd-pleaser and popular with the kids while his wife Potty Polly, played by Jamie Greer, was the conduit for the show's cheeky innuendo and more adult-based humour.
Benjamin Keith was a brilliant beast and actress Lauren McCrory an adorable Belle. But every panto needs a baddie and James Lacey was magnificent as pushy mum Madame Botox.
Beauty And The Beast marked the return of live entertainment at The Epstein Theatre - the city centre venue officially reopening with new management team Epstein Entertainments Ltd at the helm.
And it was great to see the theatre comfortably full with laughter ringing around the auditorium and an appreciative, and largely mask-wearing, audience.
I went to the panto make memories with my daughter - she's 18 and it's our first panto - and memories we made thanks to a memorable show.
In fact good times never seemed so good, so good, so good, so good.
Beauty and the Beast runs until Sunday, January 9. You can book tickets here.
