Fairy Beansprout will be waving her magic wand over a troubled kingdom in the popular panto of Jack and the Beanstalk from tonight.

Purton Amateur Dramatic Society have been rehearsing since October and building the imaginative set every Sunday in January.

Lindsey Hall from PADS said: "It has been a challenge, building the giant’s kitchen, and indeed the giant himself, especially his movements (there is a twist at the end but I won't give anything away!) The beanstalk also has to grow from small beans, be climbed by everybody, and then get chopped down again (four times in total) – let’s hope: It will be all right on the night!”

Jack is played by Kate New, a long standing member of PADS with his love interest performed by Leanne Hawkins. The witch is Celia Binfield and the fairy is Margaret Cremin. The Dame is a newcomer, local artist Alex Crump, who also helped the group with the artwork for advertising and programmes.

Lindsey said: "We have had a lot of members throughout the forty years, some staying long-term, others drifting in and out. We now have keen youngsters joining us old stalwarts.''

PADS was set up in 1974 and Lindsey says that many of those original actors are still in the village and give the current crop of thespians their support by attending the shows. The first show was an Old Time Music Hall and the first panto was Dick Turpin. Over the years the society has tackled 37 pantomimes, revues and murder nights.

The story of Jack and the Beanstalk is traditional yet with a Purton twist.

"Giant Blunderbore and his partner in crime, the evil witch, Poison Ivy, are blackmailing the royal family, forcing them to pay protection money or else the giant will gobble them up!'' said Lindsey.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs until February 2 at Purton Village Hall from 7,30pm with a matinee on the Saturday from 2.30pm. For more details visit https://www.facebook.com/PurtonPADS/