The curtain is going up on a festive panto with a difference at a north Norfolk theatre. 

Wells Maltings and fEAST Theatre have joined forces on a production of Hansel and Gretel, described as a "delightful, silly and bonkers take on the Brothers Grimm tale".

Dawn Finnerty from north Norfolk-based theatre group fEAST and director of the panto said of the show, written by Nick Lane: "I’ve seen many of Nick’s shows over the years and he has this wonderful ability to reinvent a classic tale for children in the most hilarious way, whilst casing a Pixar sheen over it, providing massive appeal for adults too – a real shared experience.

"I asked Nick if I could share his work in Norfolk and he generously did."

Ms Finnerty said she originally approached Maltings director Simon Daykin about the project in 2019 and "he jumped at the chance".

"[Mr Lane's] work offers something a little different," she added.

"Often two actors playing several parts, plenty of silly wigs, voices, hats and mayhem, all adding to the fun. It sits somewhere in between a panto and a play.

"There are songs too and we even have puppets – some of which are an oven glove version of Hansel and Gretel, not to mention the Candyfloss Gobbler – you get the picture."

In keeping with a time-honoured pantomime tradition, the show has its fair share of audience interaction. 

Ms Finnerty said: "This year we wanted to reach out to local schools by teaching the children a song in the show, ‘Best Ever Ever’, along with actions.

"The children’s response was incredible during the workshop. Lump in the throat stuff hearing their voices ring out in the auditorium alongside the actors on stage was truly heartwarming."

The production actually started its run in December last year but had to be cancelled after just four shows because its stars, Rachael Cummins and Tom Girvin, both got Covid. 

So a decision was made to revive the panto for this season, with the first show taking place on Saturday, December 17.

Further performances are planned for December 21-23 and December 27 at 4pm, and on December 24 and 28 at 1pm.  

For more details or to book, visit wellsmaltings.org.uk/events/hansel-and-gretel.