Is it time for the panto? Oh yes, it is!
Rehearsals for this year's dazzling show at Norwich Theatre Royal are now in full swing.
Jack and the Beanstalk will run from December 10 to January 7 with a star-studded cast including the likes of comedians Rufus Hound and Sally Hodgkiss, Joe Tracini and Britain's Got Talent singer Linda John-Pierre - who switched on Norwich's Christmas lights on Thursday.
The cast is now busy preparing for the four-week run over the festive season, with rehearsals with the main cast and ensemble kicking off on Monday, November 21.
And they're promising plenty of fee, fi, fo and fun.
Director, Chris Cuming, said: "It feels great to finally get panto season under way.
"It's a really important time for regional theatres. It's a really special time of the year.
"We've worked on pushing the panto forward and bringing it up-to-date.
"Andy Pollard has written a relevant and fast-paced script which is engaging for all ages.
"We're looking forward to providing some relief from the doom and gloom of the world at the moment.
"With the theatre's dynamic pricing there are options for anyone to come down and enjoy."
Rufus Hound, who is playing King Nigel of Norwich in the production, added: "Everyone has their own opinion on panto because it's something most people have an experience of.
"It's a great universal experience and it holds quite a special place.
"At Christmas we go all out. The performance is packed with local references stitched in.
"It's important to me to integrate into something that's an institution in this city.
"I've been in theatre for 10 years and it's a joy to work here with such an esteemed cast.
"Panto is a joy engine at the time of the year when it is darkest and days are the shortest.
"Every year times have been tough but when you get to a point like this - during a cost of living crisis after a pandemic - we're here to make people's lives better with an entirely magical other world that you can come to where nothing else matters."
Tickets are available via www.norwichtheatre.org starting from £10.
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