This year's panto has opened - oh no it hasn't, oh yes it has! - at Queen's Theatre in Hornchurch.

A production of Sleeping Beauty is the festive offering at the venue in Billet Lane.

Romford Recorder: Alex Tomkins (centre) plays King ‘EnryAlex Tomkins (centre) plays King ‘Enry (Image: Mark Sepple)

It launched with a first performance on Saturday (November 26) and runs until December 31.

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The story sees Fairy undo an evil curse with a 500-year sleep, taking audiences from Tudor times into the future of 2057 where robots roam.

Romford Recorder: Dominic Gee-Burch plays Super NannyDominic Gee-Burch plays Super Nanny (Image: Mark Sepple)

Mathew Russell, the theatre's executive director, said: “I’m still buzzing from Saturday’s fantastic opening night.

"It's been lovely to experience the different initial reactions of audiences. So many people have been impressed with the fresh and progressive take on the storytelling and several audience members have commented about it being a Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch favourite panto."

Romford Recorder: Hannah Woodward (centre) is Vampira in the panto, which runs until the end of DecemberHannah Woodward (centre) is Vampira in the panto, which runs until the end of December (Image: Mark Sepple)

For tickets, visit queens-theatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01708 443333.

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