You know it’s nearly Christmas when the panto season begins - and Jack and the Beanstalk opens at the the Alban Arena next Friday, December 5.

It stars Eastenders’ actor Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) as the evil Fleshcreep and Children’s TV star Rebecca Keatley (CBeebies Let’s Play). Joining them as Dame Trott is St Albans funny man Bob Golding, star of the Olivier award-winning play Morecambe

The panto, written and produced by Paul Hendy, runs until January 5 and tickets and further information are available from the box office on 01727 844488 or online at www.alban-arena.co.uk