An exotic children's summer panto has become the hottest show in town - in more ways than one.

The cast of The Jungle Book knew they would be prancing around a stage made to look like the Indian jungle.

But they had no idea it would actually be hotter than the real thing.

While the rest of us are able to strip down to our shorts and bikinis in the blistering heatwave, the stars of Jungle Book have had to don heavy costumes and perform at full pelt for two hours, twice a day, under blazing lights.

But the show at Worthing's Pavilion Theatre must go on, and producer Paul Hammond hasn't heard a word of complaint.

Not even from Jess Conrad, who as villainous tiger Shere Khan has to stalk around the stage in a full-length furry catsuit, full make-up and feline wig.

Or Eastenders' actor Ulric Browne, who as Bagheera wears a heavy black panther-like costume.

Paul said he had never known anything like it, even when he has staged shows in Dubai, where people are far more geared up for scorching weather and are therefore able to cope with it much better.

He said: "We can safely say we are the hottest show in town.

"We have had a pretty warm time, and the cast has certainly had to go through it because there is no escape from the fact that many of them are dressed in fake fur.

"The audiences have said it not only looks like a rainforest, with all the plants on stage, but also feels like one as well.

"I have put in two large industrial fans blowing air across the stage, and also put air coolers in the dressing rooms.

"But I have not heard one person mention or complain about the heat, and all the children have been given individual hand-held fans. We also have a good supply of cold water in each corner of the stage."

David Birch, who plays man-cub Mowgli in the Rudyard Kipling classic, performs some of the most energetic dance routines and ends up dripping with sweat.

Every time he rushes into the wings, backstage staff towel him down so other dancers don't lose their grip on his slippery skin.

The Pavilion, built more than 70-years-ago, does not have air conditioning, but theatre manager Peter Bailey said they opened as many exit doors as they could to let in a bit of fresh air.

The ice-cream and cold drinks counters were also doing a roaring trade.

Peter said: "Luckily, on a number of days, there has been a breeze on the seafront and we have benefited from that, but it is very warm under the stage lights at the best of times."

Despite the almost unbearable conditions, Jungle Book had sold more than 4,500 tickets and there were still six shows to go on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Many people, bored by the beach and searching for shade, had actually booked to see the show on the spur of the moment, so the hot weather was working to the theatre's advantage.

To book a ticket, ring the box office on 01903 206206.