Instinctively we all hate that ‘(R)’ which appears in TV listings.

It means ‘Repeat’ and leaves us wondering why we pay so much for a licence fee when we’ve already paid to see it before...

But then – although it’s very, very rare – there are those (R)s we positively love; repeats that if screened all day, 24/7, all year round, would still be worth the £145.50 (or £49 if it’s black-and-white) we annually cough up.

There’s Andre Previn with Morecambe and Wise, Basil Fawlty assaulting Manuel, and Del Boy and Rodney as Batman and Robin.

Reassuringly, the Oxford Playhouse’s annual Christmas panto has a well-earned display in this hall of fame.

And this year’s production of Dick Whittington sits perfectly alongside its earlier triumphs.

Because, in short, that’s exactly what it is – a triumph.

Like any great repeat, we’ve seen it all before, but it is precisely that familiarity which makes this festive showcase so much a part of our seasonal celebration.

Like leaving out the sherry for Santa and the carrot for Rudolph, it manages to both comfort and reassure as well as excite and delight in equal measure.

And personally speaking, I loved this year’s show.

Of course, it’s natural to ask, is it better than last year’s or the year before that.

But frankly that’s like asking if Daniel Craig is a better Bond than Sean Connery or Roger Moore.

Suffice to say, everything you’ve always loved about the Peter Duncan panto – the ex-Blue Peter star having written and directed the last six productions – remains as bright and fresh as ever. It’s funny, original (as best it can be within the confines of traditional panto) and razor sharp (as best it can be within the confines of Health and Safety).

Every box is ticked and a few new boxes are added as well just to keep us on our toes.

Indeed, from the moment King Rat appears, the boos remain wild, raucous and and deafening, with the ‘ahhhhhs’, ‘hoorays’ and ‘behind you’s’ following close behind.

So much so, a father in front of me clearly thought he was six again (a fact his wife had clearly long ago come to terms with....).

The cast are brilliant, every single one of them, but yes, it’s the dame as always who keeps the show firing on all cylinders.

It’s anarchic, predictable, risque, refreshing, delightful and delicious. But most of all... joyous.

Please sir, can I have some more...?