THE season of booing and hissing is nearly here and the Camberley Theatre is all geared up to deliver some Christmas magic.

Rehearsals are in full swing for this year’s pantomime -Jack and the Beanstalk - and it promises to be full of adventure.

After the massive success of last year’s Cinderella the theatre is hoping for the same again.

Organisers believe lavish sets, brilliant singing, colourful costumes and special effects will combine to make Jack and the Beanstalk the most successful festive show ever to appear at the Knoll Road venue.

The classic fairytale will include all the traditional pantomime novelties and plenty of audience participation in the fun. It will even feature a tap-dancing cow.

The show has attracted big names from the world of acting.

Fleshcreep - cue the booing and hissing - will be played by Emmerdale star Richard Grieve.

Currently touring with the musical Footloose, Grieve is well-known for playing Jonny Foster in the ITV soap.

It is the first time the actor has played a baddie in a pantomime.

Giant by nature, giant by role - the giant’s voice will be played by larger than life Brian Blessed.

The renowned Shakespearean actor has already recorded Giant Blunderbore’s lines and is thrilled to be a part of the production.

“I have always wanted to voice the giant and now I have got my chance and I absolutely loved it,” he said.

Also treading the boards this year are Mark Slowey as Dame Dorothy Trot and West End start Chris Mitchell as Jack Trott.

Director Nick Mowat believes the combination of a great team on the stage and behind the scenes will mean the panto is huge success.

It is the second year that the in-house production team, led by Mr Mowat along with Machiel Rowets as musical director and Stuart Sweeting as choreographer, have arranged the Christmas show.

Mr Mowat said: “When we decided to do Jack we looked back to see when the last time the fairytale has been done, but we couldn’t find it.

“So we are delighted this classic tale is coming back to the Camberley Theatre.

“We did a really pretty show with last year’s Cinderella so it will be good to do a bit more adventure.

“We all worked so well last year so we thought it would be good to do it again.”

Mr Mowat said it was a pleasure to be working with a great cast.

“We started casting in April so it’s been a long process,” he said.

“Richard is a pro when it comes to pantos but it is the first time he has played a villain, so that is very exciting.

“It’s wonderful that we have the giant of the theatre world playing our giant. Brian is an amazing actor.

“I have known him for some time and I know he is thrilled to be on board.

“Not only to we have a great cast but we have an incredibly strong company. It’s really nice for a director to have wonderful people to work with.”

Audiences can expect fun, laughter and all the pantomime interaction of ‘it’s behind you’ and ‘oh no it isn’t’ when the show takes to the stage from Wednesday, December 10.

Tickets are already selling well but there are a few left.

Prices range from £14.50 to £15.95 and discounts are available for family parties and groups.

To book tickets call the box office on 01276 707600 or log on to the website www.camberleytheatre.biz

Jack and the Beanstalk will run until Sunday, January 4.