It doesn’t come much curiouser than magician Paul Daniels dressed as the King of Hearts with wife Debbie McGee in a full-body rabbit suit.

Alice in Wonderland at Gravesend’s Woodville Theatre adds to the surreal mix further with ventriloquist Steve Hewlett, who shot to fame on ITV1’s Britain’s Got Talent for his puppets impressions of Simon Cowell and Sinitta. He’ll have a puppet friend to double-up with him at Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee.

Magician Paul said: “Debbie was nagging me for a little holiday. I told her we are going to sunny Gravesend.”

The 75-year-old teased audience members: “I’m actually going to finish making a new trick tomorrow – I might use it in Alice in Wonderland. I often help people out with their technical problems with magic tricks, especially stage productions.

“Producers will often come to me for a little help with magic effects and illusions. I like it.”

The former Strictly Come Dancing star added: “Magic on the television has gone very ‘street’. It’s a shame because the public are losing out by not seeing a more theatrical show.”

Oh no they won’t! Not if they come to see this panto, that is.

Over the years Paul has entertained Princes William and Harry, the Sultan of Brunei and Prince Rainier of Monaco – and now it is Kent’s turn.

With a live band, comedy, magic, spectacular sets and costumes, Alice In Wonderland is at the Woodville Theatre, Gravesend from Friday, April 4, to Sunday, April 6. Tickets cost from £12.

Call 01474 337774.