FESTIVE fun explodes into life in Yeovil tomorrow when the curtain rises on the Octagon Theatre's annual panto.

This year, the popular venue is staging Jack and the Beanstalk and it promises to be a joyous, madcap romp that will have children and adults alike rolling in the aisles.

The stars of the show include veteran performer Bobby Bennett as the Dame and Octagon regular Ben Langley, who returns to the town for his fifth panto.

Charlotte Milchard received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the Wicked Queen in the record-breaking production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Octagon two years ago and is returning this year as the villainous Malevola, the Giant's Housekeeper.

Rest assured spines will be well and truly chilled!

This will be the fiftieth panto for Bobby, who knows the ropes by now and is delighted with the way the Octagon show is shaping up.

"We are such a happy company," says the Dame, who is living in a cottage in nearby Thornford throughout the panto season. "It is a great cast and I am so looking forward to the next few weeks.

"Of course, the success of any panto comes from the top and Ben is a star. His enthusiasm is infectious."

Ben will be well-known to Octagon audiences, not just for his panto successes but also for his appearance in the self-penned comedy Shakespeare performance Ha-Ha-Hamlet.

"This is my fifth panto here and I am a very lucky man," he smiles. "I did three years in panto at the Octagon and then thought I'd better brush up my act so they'll have me back next year', but then they asked me back anyway!

"Now I am here for the fifth one which is fantastic. I love everything about Yeovil - the theatre, the people, everyone is so supportive."

Although panto is all about fun and laughs, Ben is also aware that its stars have a unique responsibility when they step out onto the stage.

"For many children, panto is their first taste of live theatre so we have a responsibility to make it a wonderful experience for them, or they might be put off for life.

"And as the fool, I have to behave myself in the magical scenes. If there is a dramatic moment such as Cinderella's pumpkin turning into a carriage, or jack climbing the beanstalk, the temptation is always there to give the audience a crafty wink and a nudge, but it would never do to do that."

Jack and the Beanstalk is at the Octagon Theatre, Yeovil from tomorrow, December 14, to Saturday, January 5, with at least one performance a day every day except Christmas Day, when the theatre is closed. For ticket prices, bookings and full details call the box office on 01935 422884.