It’s family to the fore at the Ropetackle as children are encouraged to sit on a rug at the front. Behind them, mothers’ hearts flutter as Peter Willoughby takes the stage as the eponymous hero.

Willoughby has a fine voice, highlighted by his rendition of Somewhere Only We Know, and hits it off with bubbly co-star Jessica Hathaway (Princess Jasmine).

Michael Haywood (Widow Twankey) is a skilled comedian who loves to wander off-script and into banter, while hearts are captured by the Little Ninjas and Tom Spencer (Genie).

Tom Beard (Abanazer) is another quality ad-libber. “What’s the magic word to open the cave?” he bellows at the children. “Please!” shout the children. “Are you posh? Do you eat Pot Noodle on a plate?” he snaps back.

Beard has to double up as the Emperor of Peking. At the finale, one young clever clogs yells, “Where’s the emperor?” “Dead!” jokes Beard, dressed as Abanazer and not about to take on another quick-change.

Shoreham’s panto has no soap star in sight and its own community at the heart of the performance. Get down there and join in the fun.