VICTORIA Hall ADS aims to offer a giant pick-me-up after the post-Christmas and New Year blues.

The group's production of Jack and the Beanstalk will be filled with fun and laughter for all the family thanks to a traditional script infused with plenty of jokes and humour.

The show stars Matthew Wilkinson as Jack, and Natalie Quinn as his girlfriend Alice Band. Chris Hilton takes on the statuesque role of Giant Hugh Mungous, and Barry Massey as Dame Widow Wendy.

Russell Hedley takes on the role of the good Wizard Dave, Robert Goodier is the wicked Witch Way, Rob Sharp is Baron Rubbert Band, and his rent collectors are Anne Dixon as Peter Pie and Courtney Hargreaves as Flora Plum.

Publicity officer Anne said: "We had our first dress rehearsal last Thursday so that's always good because the cast can get into character together. It's going really well so far and the children are loving it.

"We're lucky because we are based in the town centre so it is a real community event when we put on a production,

"It doesn't start until the New Year, so hopefully we can bring back a bit of excitement during the post-Christmas lull."

The theatre group, based at Victoria Hall in Knowsley Street, have taken a traditional story and injected plenty of jokes and audience participation.

Anne said: "Barry Massey has written it with families of all ages in mind, so we hope that it will raise laughs with youngsters and adults.

"This time we have got a very big chorus of 10 young children — many of them have never been on stage before so they're working really hard to get as much on-stage experience as they can before the show starts.

"We even have a pantomime cow called Lollypop which will hopefully raise plenty of laughs. There's a hilarious cooking scene which will bring the usual chaos you would expect at a panto.

"It took quite some time to do the giant's costume. Bits of it we already had like the mask, but the trousers and the padded jacket had to be made by the costume designers. There will probably be some more changes before the actual show.

"We are just putting the finishing touches onto the production, so it's a very exciting time for everyone. Everyone has been working on their parts individually and now people are having to pull together and work with each other so it's all coming into place."

The show will run on January 9, 10, 16, 17, 19, 23 and 24. To find out more or to book tickets call 01706 551123.