Anyone who can’t wait for Brian Ralfe’s annual adult panto silliness should head over to Hastings this weekend to see the Market Theatre Company’s take on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic.

This is the 15th seasonal offering by the Hitchin-based theatre company, who have basically cut out all the child-friendly bits of the story and worked up the saucy innuendo Carry On-stylee to distort the tale beyond recognition.

Previous tales they have worked on include Dick Whittington (aka Puss and Dick), Slapper Beauty and Peter Panties.

Although they haven’t doctored the title this year for a cheap chuckle, it’s unlikely they are taking this show any more seriously...

* Starts 8pm, tickets £13.50. Call 01424 462288.