THE only way is panto for this year’s spectacular Clacton panto.

Following on from last year’s excellent performance of Sleeping Beauty with X Factor star Stevi Ritchie, Polka Dot has again produced a magical show that will be a hit for children and parents alike.

Beauty and the Beast stars The Only Way is Essex’s Dan Osborne, who put his muscular physique to work as the vain Gaston. The former model, who joined the ITV show in 2013, didn’t mind poking fun at himself with a few Towie references.

There was plenty of audience participation on opening night and it was Dame Dolly Doughnut who got the biggest laughs.

Ian Summers was returning to Clacton for his third panto season following his fantastic performance in Aladdin and Sleeping Beauty.

The highlight of the show was a hilarious slapstick sequence featuring a number of the cast members.

The dancing and singing was good all round, including from the principal dancers and the children’s chorus.

But it was the superb vocals of Fairy Flambe, played by Natasha Brooke, that stole the show.

A special mention must also go to Belle, played by Holly Harcourt, and Prince Lucian and the Beast, played by Jordan Car giving his first performance with Polka Dot.

Both excelled in the lead roles.

Credit also goes to the director Neil Couperthwaite and the crew for a technically brilliant, professional performance.

Tickets for the show, which runs until January 1, are still available from 01255 686633.

JAMES DWAN