Awesome costumes, cheeky jokes and re-imagined songs have brought lots of festive cheer to Dartford.

Jack and the Beanstalk is the Orchard Theatre's answer for Christmas cheer.

Starring King of the Jungle and multi-talented actor, Christopher Biggins and Milkshake! presenter Kiera-Nicole, the tongue and cheek panto is great fun for all.

After having to be postponed because of Covid-19, the classic tale has been well adapted into an engaging, silly and amusing performance for all ages.

With many subtle - and not so subtle - jokes, even the adults in the audience can have a good laugh.

The set designs of the panto are so vibrant and bright, it really helps the audience, especially children, emerge themselves in Jacks make-believe world.

Each performer's costumes were visually stunning and really emphasised the dance routines.

The dancers' dresses were also really well thought out and visually pleasing, as was the creative lighting and sparkler displays.

Although there were occasional technical difficulties on stage, the actors dealt with the issues superbly.

Rikki Jay, who plays Silly Simon Trot, was especially good at making the audience laugh and forget any mishap had happened.

The songs were also great fun. Audiences were able to sing along to songs such as Ain't No Mountain High Enough and by changing the lyrics to Ariana Grande songs kids also had a chance to join in.

In this adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk, Princess Apricot, played by Kiera-Nicole, is just as much of a hero as Jack is, which, I personally believe, was much appreciated by the little girls watching.

Christopher Biggins played Jack's mother, Dame Trot. The extravagant costume, silly lines and suburb stage presence caused nothing but laughter.

Jokes about Dartford, Bexleyheath, the tunnel crossing and even Faversham had the audience in stitches. The local touch was appreciated by everyone.

Finally the pantomime's use of animatronics, inflatables, and puppets was brilliant. I'm not sure how it was done, but the giant was brilliant! I was sceptical about how they would portray a creature so large that it eats children for dinner, but with stage magic and clever costumes they really brought the monster to life.

The beanstalk was a huge inflatable that really made it seem like the beans had grown with magic.

But for me, the huge animatronic rat stole the show. It was actually quite a daunting display and I can imagine being quite scared of its massive red eyes at a young age. But the work behind it was awesome and the swift move back to comedy meant no child was left terrified.

Jack and the Beanstalk is on at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford until Sunday, January 2. To book tickets click here.