Panto carol service proves to be big hit

There were queues more than an hour before the service started at St Peter Mancroft Church, with huge anticipation among the early arrivals.

Derek Griffiths at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The audience enjoyed the hilarious readings, joyful songs, and wonderful carols throughout the hour-long service, especially the elderly and the young, who belted out the Twelve Days of Christmas with great festive spirit.

The Pantomine Ensemble at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

There were traditional carols, solos, readings and singing by the cast, an address from the Bishop of Lynn the Rt Rev Jonathan Merrick, and prayers.

Richard Gauntlett at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Laughter and smiles could be seen and heard all around the church.

Rev Canon Ian Bentley at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The panto is at the Theatre Royal until January 14.

Glenn Adamson, left, and Stephen Godward sing at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Ben Langley at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Elizabeth Carter sings at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Gillian Wright at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Elizabeth Carter sings at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Derek Griffiths, left, and Stephen Godward at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The Panto Babes at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Theatre Royal chief executive, Stephen Crocker, speaks at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The Panto Babes at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The Panto Babes at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Derek Griffiths, left, and Stephen Godward at the Sleeping Beauty Panto Carol Service. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)