An ARRGH fest is just over the horizon and is heading for Deal in the New Year in the shape of the latest Sergeant’s Mess Pantomime – Pirates of the Curried Bean.

Tickets to see the swashbuckling tale have gone on sale, in what is usually a sell-out run of performances. This year, they have extended the run to 12 shows in an attempt to satisfy demand.

The premise of the show is the race to secure the last curried beans on the planet, with the British and American navies both trying to outwit the fearsome pirates.

The Sergeant’s Mess Pantomime at the Globe Theatre at the Royal Marines School of Music, was an annual tradition dating back to the 1930s until the closure of the barracks in 1996.

"Book early to ensure disappointment" - Panto writer and producer Brian Short

Producer and script writer Brian Short resurrected the tradition in 2013, with a production of The Wizard Who’s Odd raising funds for Royal Marines and local charities. In January, Skinderella raised another £20,000.

Mr Short said: “This year if projections are correct we are hoping to have something in the region of £28k charitable funds to distribute.

The organisers have gained special permission from West End producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh (Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera) to use one of his songs in the show.

The curtain goes up at the Astor Theatre on January 6 and runs until January 17.

Tickets, costing £15, go on sale at the Astor, Stanhope Road, Deal, on Wednesday, October 1.