Christmas Seaside Special: Cromer Pier

Christmas - a time for a sing-song, good belly laugh and quiet reflection on the real meaning of the festive period.And that is what the winter version of Cromer's pier show delivers on its fourth seasonal trip down the chimney pot.

Christmas - a time for a sing-song, good belly laugh and quiet reflection on the real meaning of the festive period.

And that is what the winter version of Cromer's pier show delivers on its fourth seasonal trip down the chimney pot.

Routines range from elegant ballet to bouncy pop in the slick-as-ever choreography from creator Di Cooke.

And local Cromer man Eddie Bushell is the pick of the singers with a strong voice and warm personality.

Cute children bolster the ranks for atmospheric nativity and carol sessions.

The show has a triple shot of comedy to warm the cockles. Headliner Johnny Laff took the show up a gear and a notch on the volume, though his routine was a bit dated in places, with impersonations of Benny Hill, Norman Wisdom and Frank Spencer.

Comedy magician Mark Worgan combined clever tricks with slick patter, while local funnyman Keith Loads added some superbly “sorft” Norfolk humour.

The flipping between funny and festive can be a bit bizarre at times with one comic routine ended with a swearword followed by the gentle strains of chestnuts roasting by an open fire.

And I'm not really sure what James Bond has to do with Christmas, except the 007 dancing girls will certainly be on my stocking filler list to Santa.

Overall this is a cheery Christmas show to relieve the gathering gloom, so if you are stuck for a present idea buy someone tickets as a treat.

Richard Batson