PANTO season is here - oh yes it is!

And there were some familiar faces treading the boards as the curtain went up on Winchester's traditional family pantomime Cinderella last night.

Best known as Gestapo officer Herr Flick in ’Allo! ’Allo!, Richard Gibson has played a wide range of parts on film, television, theatre and radio.

Now he's teamed up with Winchester panto favourite Julian Eardley to perform as a pair of seriously Ugly Sisters!

"I'm always having to play villains for obvious reasons, but this time they've let me loose as a dame and I have to say it's terrific fun," he laughs.

"When you play a villain, people want to bash you up. In some ways the Ugly Sisters are even worse, but we are all having a great time and it's not a bad way to get through life.

"There might be the odd reference to 'Allo 'Allo. After we did the show, we thought that would be it. But we never could have imagined the shelf life it would have and that people would still be watching it now!

"It just had an instant connection with people who recognised very quickly people they knew in the characters. It was set in a village, part of a community that viewers recognised. They just loved laughing at Herr Flick, who reminded them of their boss!

Another member of the cast is making a welcome return to Winchester.

Bryn Lucas, who plays Prince Charming, has never lived in the city, but he was born there!

The motorsports and lifestyle presenter told Your Entertainment: "My Mum lived in Alton at the time and I was born in hospital in Winchester. Thirty something years later, I'm back here again where it all started!

"Winchester is a beautiful, beautiful city and I'm looking forward to walking around the Christmas markets and getting to know it better.

"I love panto. It breaks all theatre protocol, there's no applauding politely here! The kids go crazy and everyone has a great time. It always reminds me of The Simpsons!"

Audiences are invited to boo the Ugly Sisters, cheer the Fairy Godmother and laugh with Buttons as Prince Charming falls in love with Cinderella.

Enjoy original songs, audience participation, a wickedly funny script and adorable live ponies in a traditional family pantomime.

Cinderella runs until Monday January 2.

Tickets: 01962 840440 or theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk