It is a tradition that sees families flock to the theatre over the festive period each year. Oh yes, it is.

And this is no different in Beccles, as the annual pantomime returns to the Beccles Public Hall - in a show lovingly put together by Spark Live Pantomimes.

This year's Beccles panto will see Robin Hood and his merry men burst onto the stage,in a hilarious production that is guaranteed to have its audience in stitches.

Final preparations are being carried out as the Public Hall is transformed into the iconic Sherwood Forest for the festive production, which will tell the tale of the legendary outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor.

The comical performance will tell follow the tight-wearing hero as he continuously outwits the Sheriff of Nottingham to win the hand of Maid Marian.

Ryan Holt, the show producer, said: 'We are four weeks ahead of where we were this time last year and some of the performances are almost sold out.

'We are at the stage where all the cast and crew are ready. All they need now is the audience,

'The lighting and scenery is in, we will have rehearsals this week and dress rehearsals on both the Wednesday and Thursday before opening on Friday,'

Performances begin on Friday, December 22, with 12 performances in total.

Mr Holt added: 'We have just been finishing off the programme and making some last minute adjustments to costumes and props.

'We are using everything to its full effect and pulling out all the stops.'

The scenery has been provided by Scenic Projects, the company also responsible for the set of Norwich Theatre Royal's panto.

'They have produced everything from the back clothes to the castle dungeon, which has a cool revolving door,' Mr Holt said. 'This year we have got five different scenes - from the streets of Nottingham to the forest.'

Despite the show yet to even open, Mr Holt said the company have already started planning for next year's production, which will be Sleeping Beauty.

Tickets for Robin Hood are £12 for adults, £11 for concessions, £10 for adults or £40 for a family of four.

Tickets are on sale from the venue's box office, with full details of performance dates listed on the venue's website.