Panto fun came to Southend early when Gladiator Vogue abseiled down the side of the Cliffs Pavilion to deliver the first ticket for this year's pantomime - Jack and the Beanstalk.

Vogue, alias Suzanne Cox, was joined by John Inman and Breeze radio presenter Peter Holmes to launch this year's spectacular, which opens on December 18.

John and Peter kept their feet firmly on the ground as Vogue sailed down her beanstalk from the 30 metre high tower, assisted by army experts.

John Inman, famous for his role as Mr Humphreys in Are You Being Served, is to play the panto dame, complete with full greasepaint.

Peter Holmes will be donning tights to play the Lord Chamberlain, while London's Burning star Glen Murphy will play the character Fleshcreep.

Full of beans - Gladiator Vogue comes down to earth at the Cliffs Pavilion

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

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