THE Deben Players are really head and shoulders above the rest with this year's Christmas panto.They've got a giant of a show planned with their version of Jack and the Beanstalk to bring a spot of festive cheer to Woodbridge.

By Jessica Nicholls

THE Deben Players are really head and shoulders above the rest with this year's Christmas panto.

They've got a giant of a show planned with their version of Jack and the Beanstalk to bring a spot of festive cheer to Woodbridge.

Director, George Holmes, is particularly proud of the giant's head that has been made by Woodbridge sculptor, Henry Tebbitt, and is proving to be a focal point for the show.

Mr Holmes, who has been involved in amateur dramatics for the last 25 years said: "We all just applauded when he brought it into the room. It really is very good and definitely worth coming to see the show for."

Even the giant's hair and make up was done to perfection by Patsy Fosker.

The cast of more than 30 people have managed to keep going even throughout the more tense moments, when two local people had to drop out.

Thankfully replacements were found in the nick of time and the show is certainly going on.

Although Mr Holmes was refusing to reveal what exactly was planned, it promises to be a traditional, family show with plenty of slapstick comedy.

Shouts of "He's behind you" are certain to be echoing around the walls of Woodbridge Riverside Theatre, with plenty of audience participation planned.

Mr Holmes said there are lots of twists and turns and different things happening to keep young and old mesmerised.

Show times: Preview – Saturday, December 22, at 7.30pm – tickets £5.

Sunday, December 23 – 2.30pm

Thursday, December 27, until Sunday, December 30 – shows at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Wednesday, January 2, until Saturday, January 5 – 7.30pm only apart from one matinee show on Saturday 5.

All tickets from December 23 onwards cost £8 for adults and £7 concessions.

Tickets are available on 01394 382174.