SHOWSTOPPING, thigh slapping, tuneful, and manically knockabout - Jack and the Beanstalk has pretty much everything you would expect from a BATS pantomime.

Ascending to even loftier heights for 2019, Burneside Amateur Theatrical Society could actually raise the Bryce roof as the BATS beanstalk in Ben Crocker's script heads skywards.

Running at The Bryce from January 4-6 and January 9-12 with 2pm and 7.30pm performances on certain dates, expect a sizeable portion of slapstick silliness and songs by the bucket load as the enchanted entourage propel the audience off to a mysterious land above the clouds.

Creating panto-monium along the way, Edena, the eco fairy, is played by Helen Townson; Elisha Selby takes the role of Jack Trot; Lucy Daws is priceless Princess Demelza; Amelia King is Fleshcreep; Martin Cash reigns as King Bertram; Thomas Miles dons the guise of Flunkit; and centre stage as Dame Trot and Simple Simon, are Duncan Cramphorn and Wayne Bartholomew.

Director Gordon Lawson says the show is progressing brilliantly: "We have some new faces in the cast, and a couple of the youngsters have been brought through. However, there's real experience in the comedy department with Duncan Cramphorn and Wayne Bartholomew as Dame and Simon really "milking" the show for all it's comedy worth.

"Not forgetting a truly fearsome Giant Blunderbore careering around the stage looking for unsuspecting cast members to eat! Actually, he's not too fussy...the audience might need to watch out too!

"All the ingredients of the traditional Jack and the Beanstalk are present, wrapped up in a comedy gem of a script from Ben Crocker, which zips along at breakneck speed.

So what’s up highly inventive Gordon's directorial sleeve this time around?

"Some great music, ranging from a touch of Elvis, a bit of rock, Pavarotti and the cast will be Reach(ing) for the Sky as Jack climbs the beanstalk.

Apparently, there'll be a real 'Thriller' of an opening number to the second act as well as an enthusiastic junior chorus giving life to the dances, all cleverly choreographed by Helen Fothergill.

"This is going to be a rousing, thrilling, colourful and side-splitting funny 45th panto."

In other words, another BATS belter.

Box office 07792-777213.