Along with the sweeties and the popcorn, daft hats and light-flashing swords are now on sale in the Devonshire Park Theatre's foyer.

So now, along with the prospect of a spotlight picking you out to face some of Dame Trott's innuendo-full banter, we are faced with the danger of having an eye poked out by an over enthusiastic six-year-old Errol Flynn wannabe.

With cast members chasing each other through the auditorium and audience participation decibel levels reaching the danger zone, a visit to the Devonshire's traditional pantomime is not for the faint-hearted.

It is, though, an essential part of English Christmas tradition and, once again, Chris Jordan's script and direction have conjured a magical evening of family fun.

The ingredients of panto are easy to assemble but the success is all in the mix.

Sometimes a slightly patronising air can suggest itself, rather Deliah Smith, or there might be a hint of Nigella Lawson-like sophistication, this Jack and the Beanstalk, however, is very Jamie Oliver- it's chummy and honest and it does the business.

Ian Good is a regular fixture of the Eastbourne Christmas scene. He brings to his role as Dame Trott all the necessary drollery to accompany another array of increasingly preposterous frocks. He is blessed, this year, with a particularly fine pair of panto sons.

Melanie Stace is the suitably heroic eponymous Jack - long of leg and strong of voice. Ben Redfern is superb as Simple Simon, he has all the energy, comic timing and diverse singing and dancing talents that give promise of a substantial career ahead.

Paul Bentley brings an effective bumbling authority and a very fine voice to the part of King Cole and Peter Duncan is a very relaxed and witty Fleshcreep - so fond of his boos he must be a founding member of baddies anonymous.

Special effects get better and better. The growth of the beanstalk and the appearance of the Giant have plenty of wow factor and should certainly aid Jordan's aim of introducing youngsters to what a fantastic experience live theatre can be.

Review by David Wilkins, features@theargus.co.uk