In the 10 years Eye Theatre has been in existence, the traditional panto has always been renowned for its appeal to families.

In the 10 years Eye Theatre has been in existence, the traditional panto has always been renowned for its appeal to families.

With good, clean fun, plenty of action and comedy to the forefront, this year's offering is no exception. The predominantly young cast are full of vigour and ensure the show romps along from start to finish. And the intimacy of the tiny theatre ensures maximum audience participation.

This version of Jack and the Beanstalk was written by Norman Robbins but director Tom Scott has added his own touches to the script with some apt local references.

Richard Mainwaring is becoming as well known in Eye as the mayor, making his 22nd appearance though this is the first time he has taken a panto role. Aided by a colourful array of costumes and hairstyles, he makes an outstanding Dame Trot. He and Philip Simon as Simple Simon work well together to create plenty of laughs.

The versatility of John Danbury, who alternates between the goodie, King Hubert, and the baddie, Rancid, was even more evident when he ended the show with some clever magic tricks – he has recently performed at the London Hilton and on the Orient Express. Although only completing her training this summer, Liesl Wickins was totally competent as principal boy Jack, well matched by the attractive Rhian Gwyn as Princes Melissa, also doubling as Fairy Thistledown.

Special praise must go to the two young students Sally Preston and Alex Stolls as Daisy the Cow, who delights the young members of the audience. The panto runs until January 5, though some shows are sold out.