YOU may think it is a little early to be thinking about panto season but ‘Oh no it isn’t’ as the cast of this year’s production at Harpenden Public Halls has been announced.

Jack and the Beanstalk is set to run between December 13 and December 22 and will star Tiswas favourite Sally James as the fairy and CBBC’s Newsround presenter Hayley Cutts as Jack.

Sally, who has had a 28-year break from pantomimes, said: “Jack and the Beanstalk is a much-loved fairy tale and I think it will be a lot of fun to do a pantomime before Christmas because it’s such a magical time.”

She added: “I don’t want to be heckled I want everyone to love me.”

While Hayley is a newbie to the panto scene she said she will draw on her CBBC experience to bring some humour to the lead role.

She commented: “I feel a little nervous but I am really excited. I will hopefully add some comedy to the part because I am not a serious person and I quite like heights so I will be climbing the beanstalk.

“It is a chance for me to get creative and be silly.”

Following the success of last year’s pantomime Dick Whittington, Richard Aucott will be returning as the Dame, and BBC Three Counties Radio broadcaster Ernie Almond is also being brought on board as the evil Fleshcreep.

Promising plenty of corny jokes as well as the all-important mysterious sprouting beanstalk, producer Chris Law said: “Often pantomimes are a child’s first experience of theatre and I want them to sit open-mouthed in amazement. I want them to cheer the fairy and boo the villain.

“We pride ourselves on doing fun-filled, laughter-packed family pantomimes.”

Tickets are priced from £10, available from the box office on 01582 767525 or online at www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk