The cast of the EM Forster Theatre's panto this year have started sailing into the festive period.

The members of the Jack and the Beanstalk cast took to the river in Tonbridge to launch their run-up to Christmas and the show.

Wicked Productions - the same company behind last year's popular production Aladdin - will mark their third year at the theatre with their production which runs from Saturday, December 15 to Sunday, January 6, 2019.

With more performances than previous years, the show promises a family treat with stunning scenery, music, choreography, magic and fun, plus a show-stopping giant, beanstalk and special effects.

Each year during the pantomime at the theatre supports two charities with bucket collections at each performance, and tickets to a charity preview performance.

This year the charities are ellenor and Chasing Connor’s Cure. Ellenor is a specialist palliative and end of life care charity and the only one in Kent providing hospice care in a place of their choice, and a Children’s Hospice at Home.

Hildenborough-based Chasing Connor’s Cure funds enhanced therapy and research to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, set up by local parents, whose son Connor was diagnosed with Duchenne in 2016.

For tickets to the show, visit emftheatre.com or call 01732 304241.