Darts player Bobby George, rapper Franko Fraize and Paralympian Alfie Hewett join audience at Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk

At the final dress rehearsal, an invited audience went along to see the panto ahead of the official opening night, and they gave their reactions. There's a lot of love for Wayne Sleep – and for Daisy, the panto cow!

Jack and the Beanstalk's official Press Night welcomed an audience made up of local journalists – and a few well known faces. In the crowd sat Nick Aldis, international wrestler, star of Gladiators (you'll know him as Oblivion) and co-presenter of World's Strongest Man. He's a firm favourite with Norwich audiences, having appeared in panto here in previous years as both Aladdin's Genie and the evil Queen's henchman in the 2008 production of Snow White.

Joining Nick in the crowd was darts legend Bobby George. Known as the King of Darts he was the sport's first full-time exhibition player. He's also good friends with panto baddie Wayne Sleep, following their appearance together on BBC Two's Real Marigold Hotel. The show returns to screens on Tuesday 27 December.

Of course, the EDP was also present for Press Night – take a look at our review of Jack and the Beanstalk here.

Wayne Sleep as Phineas P Stinkworthy in 2016's Norwich Theatre Royal Pantomine, Jack and the Beanstalk. Photo from: Norwich Theatre Royal (Image: Norwich Theatre Royal)

Also present at the Press Night performance were Paralympian Alfie Hewett, rapper Franko Fraize and actor Nic Jackman. Wheelchair tennis player Alfie, seventh in the World Men's Singles rankings, took the silver medal at the Paralympics this year in the doubles category, alongside partner Gordon Reid.

Rapper Franko Fraize lives in Thetford, and is hotly tipped for big things by BBC Introducing. For a taste of his skills, see what happened when he met panto scene-stealer Nigella T.

Franko Fraize enjoys the press night at the Norwich Theatre Royal's 2016 Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk. Photo from Norwich Theatre Royal. (Image: Steve Adams.)

You might recognise Nic Jackman from his role on Holby City. He plays Cameron, the son of Jemma Regrave's character Bernie. A former Attleborough High pupil, Nic got his start on the Theatre Royal's Theatre Arts Course.

There's still plenty of time left to see the panto: Jack and the Beanstalk runs until 15 January, and tickets range from £7 to £23.50.

Franko Fraize enjoys the press night at the Norwich Theatre Royal's 2016 Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk. Photo from Norwich Theatre Royal. (Image: Steve Adams.)

Jack and the Beanstalk at Norwich Theatre Royal sponsors Norwich Ice Rink, which is at Castle Gardens until January 8. Visit the website for details.

Franko Fraize enjoys the press night at the Norwich Theatre Royal's 2016 Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk. Photo from Norwich Theatre Royal. (Image: Steve Adams.)