IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Freshwater Beach holiday park, where this season’s panto makes its debut show tonight, December 5.

Jack and the Beanstalk stars Britain’s Got Talent finalist Kai Widdrington and former Hollyoaks star Tamaryn Payne alongside a host of local youngsters who successfully auditioned to take part.

Dance champion Kai is on stage as Jack, the hero of the piece, while Tamaryn is hoping to attract lots of boos and hisses and the giant’s evil, tax-collecting henchwoman Belladonna.

Also appearing are Ross Cobbold as Simple Simon and Ellie Self as The Vegetable Fairy.

The show has been staged by Freshwater entertainment manager Drew Baker who said: “I love panto and for 90 per cent of children it’s the first piece of live theatre they see, so I wanted to put one on stage at Freshwater.

“Panto is a real community event, something that families can all enjoy together so I think it’s important to give people the chance to see one this Christmas.”

Jack and the Beanstalk is something of a departure for Tamaryn and Kai as the show is their first appearance in panto, but they are both looking forward to the experience and having a great time in West Dorset.

Tamaryn, who starred as Annalise Appleton in Hollyoaks, said: “My parents live in Bournemouth so I thought it would be a brilliant chance to do panto and also spend Christmas with my family.

“It’s been a challenge and hard work but it’s been great fun.”

Kai added: “As Jack I’m here to keep the story going and go on a quest to find true love.

“It’s a fabulous show with a lot of laughs and some great music and really something for everyone.”

The first performance of Jack and the Beanstalk is at 2pm today and then the stars of the show can all be seen at Dorchester Cracker Night tonight switching on the town’s illuminations.

The show will then run until December 20 at Freshwater Beach Holiday Park, Burton Bradstock, near Bridport.

Times vary and there are no performances on December 9 and 14.

Tickets are £8, available from 01308 897317, ticketsource.co.uk and in person from the venue plus at the door on the night.