Happy New Year from cast and crew of a Grand panto

The hundred-strong cast and crew behind this year's stellar pantomime at the theatre have done their bit to usher in 2016 with a smile.

The bunch, spearheaded by comedy duo The Chuckle Brothers, has sent audiences home in raptures since opening night with their take on the classic pirate tale.

They are currently in the middle of their panto run and for anyone who hasn't had chance to see the show still has enough time with plenty of performances throughout January.

The crew will be taking a well-earned break from the high-octane and high-energy production today – New Year's Day – but the swashbuckling fun kicks off again tomorrow with a matinee and evening show.

In fact there are two shows per day – apart from Mondays – right up until the end of the run on Sunday, January 24.

The panto has gone down to rave reviews so far, with families in stitches almost from beginning to end.

It is no surprise that Paul and Barry, complete with their customary armoury of timeless gags 'to me, to you' and all, steal the show.

John Altman – Eastenders' nasty Nick Cotton – playing Hook is also the perfect panto villain while the other leads Wendy, Tinkerbell and Peter himself are delivered in strong style.

But it is apt that the crew and support staff have emerged from behind the curtain in this shot as the staging and effects in this production are nothing short of spectacular.

From shooting stars to floating cars this show has the visuals to rival any IMAX film.

And while the Chuckles certainly don't need any help in getting the audience involved in the panto, one particular stunt sees them closer to theatre-goers than even they would have bargained for.

Visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01902 429212 to book tickets.