Local theatre group SPADS looks set to repeat last year s sell out of Aladdin with this year s production of Jack and The Beanstalk - oh yes they do! Aladdin was everything a pantomime should be, full of sparkling costumes, catchy songs, drama, passi

Local theatre group SPADS looks set to repeat last year's sell out of 'Aladdin' with this year's production of 'Jack and The Beanstalk' - oh yes they do!

Aladdin was everything a pantomime should be, full of sparkling costumes, catchy songs, drama, passion and lots of comedy. Director Lill Downes made sure the whole thing moved at a cracking pace and was thoroughly enjoyed by the capacity crowd, young and old alike. From the hilarious laundry scene, which saw Wishee-Washee mangled and flattened, to the romantic duets by Aladdin and So-Shi, performances were first-rate and held the younger members of the audience spell-bound with the magic of this most traditional of British theatrical events.

This year Annabelle Clarke takes over the reins as director and the company are well under-way with rehearsals for what will be their 50th consecutive pantomime. Ticket sales are already very strong and theatre-goers are being advised to book soon to be sure of a seat. 'Jack' features some great characters - Pat the cow, of course, Dudley the dinosaur and a Giant who is certain to have the children booing at the top of their voices. Jack's journey will be fraught with danger but I think we can be confident that he will be successful in the end.

'Jack and the Beanstalk' plays at the Plinston Hall from 27th December to 2nd January (box office: 01462 672003).