In the middle of the Christmas frenzy that is presents, decorations and stockings, it's also the time for panto. Norfolk has more than 20 shows on offer over the festive period. This year, the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton presents its spiced-up version of Jack And The Beanstalk. A colourful cast, a live band and wonderful dancing troupe of various ages - it's a panto with all the trimmings. Hard times for JackJack (Lydia Griffiths) and his family have fallen on hard times, and the King (and director Alan Rothwell) must evict them, so as a last resort they must sell their beloved cow Daisy. Fleshcreep (David Anthony) tricks Jack into selling the cow for beans, not gold, and it's only when the beautiful Fairy (Lucy Robinson) intervenes that said beans are infused with magical properties. If Jack can slay the evil Giant, the King will reward him handsomely with half the Kingdom and Princess Tamara's (Melanie Isaac) hand in marriage. But as you expect from panto, built around the plot (yes, really) are ample opportunities for the cast to go off-script, play with the audience and generally raise the roof. Silly Billy (Neil Hurst) radiates warmth and charisma and charms the audience with his very silly sense of humour, awful jokes and great singing voice. He also cuts a dash in the world's most glittery ring-masters outfit!  | | Panto diva Dame Trot |
Another complete charmer is Dame Trot. Virtually every five minutes she careers across the stage wearing another outrageous costume. These techni-coloured monstrosities add to her wildly eccentric demeanour in a hugely energetic and entertaining performance from Craig Cowdroy. Local laughsThe show is full of gags from slap-stick comedy to taking pity on those unlucky enough to come from Wisbech or Downham Market! It caters for all ages, and a special mention must go to the lovely Grandma sitting next to me who roared uncontrollably throughout the whole show. What's impressive about the Princess Theatre's panto is the huge diversity to be found in the show. From the range of songs, to ballet and tap dancing with everything in between, to the audience participation which had every tot (and their parents) yelling 'He's behind you', at the top of their voices and dancing in the aisles. Beware, this show is not for the faint-hearted or those planning to just sit in their seats. With the first act running to nearly 90 minutes, at times it did start to feel a little like a long-haul flight where you're just looking for any excuse to get off, that said, the children in the audience showed no signs of their attention wandering. Some might say the producers are just keen for you get your money's worth, but the shorter, second act, cracks along at a pace and opens with a tap-dancing routine starring Dame Trot that is just not to be missed. Jack And The Beanstalk runs at the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton until Wednesday, 3 January, 2007. For more details call 01485 532252. | 
