IN true Elgiva panto style- Jack isn't climbing up the beanstalk as the traditional story dictates- he is flying in a rocket.

The Chesham theatre has become well known for its modern take on a classic fairytale and this year's is no different in Jack and The Beanstalk.

Scriptwriter and director Stuart Morrison said: "It is going to be really good fun. It is all set in a fair ground this year so there is a beautiful fair ground set. There will be a big wheel that turns and spins.

"We have got some great effects planned. We are doing a lot of projection this year, as long as it works!

"We always like to push the boundaries."

Even the big scary giant will be seen as a cartoon on the projections and there will be graphics throughout.

The story goes that Jack, played by Chris Wills, is living with his widowed mother, Dame Trott, played by Colin Ridgewell, on a fairground.

They own a milk cow which is their only source of income to make milkshakes at their diner.

But when the cow stops giving milk, Jack is sent to market to sell the cow, but instead meets the evil Fleshcreep, played by Richard Mann, who offers a bag of gold to Jack for the cow.

The gold turns out to be beans and when Dame Trott throws them out the window they turn into a beanstalk.

With the help of Fairy Liquid, played by Kluane Saunders, Jack discovers another world and bids to save his one true love, Princess Isabelle, played by Mairi Jayne Weir.

There will lots of well known songs including Disney's Let It Go from Frozen and even a few 80s classics.

Colin starred as Colin Brown in the popular TV show Grange Hill from 1993 to 2001 and since then he has become a regular on the panto circuit with his first role as a dame in Chesham in 2011.

He is back to play the dame again and said: "I am very excited. It has been a while since I got to wear my make up again. Putting it on this morning is like riding a bike.

"I had to look at an old Facebook picture to remember what it looks like."

The High Wycombe actor has an incredible nine costume changes with a rather special Dolly Parton one, he said with a twinkle in his eye.

Richard also returns to the theatre for panto- he starred at the Tin Man in last year's Wizard of Oz.

He said: "The Tin Man was great but I love being the villain- it is my third time as the villain.

"I love the kids booing at me.

"It is a real family panto. I don't live here and to come here- it is a great group of people.

"It is like a family- it sounds a cliché- but it is just fun. It is really important to support local theatres.

"And what is great about this- you are not going on some massive star name.

"I like to think it is the quality of the show and having a good laugh."

And he is performing at the theatre on October 24 in one of his other roles as Mick Jagger in tribute band, Rolling Stones Now.

Kluane is also a familiar face as she played the elegant Good Witch of the North- Gaalindi last year.

She said: "I am really looking forward to it. I really enjoyed last year and keen to be back and doing it again."

And there are also two new comers. Mairi Jayne Weir was chosen to be a senior dancer in the panto at Northampton last year but had to drop out after she was offered a paid role.

She then auditioned for Dorothy for Northampton's panto this year, but it was decided she was better suited to the role of Princess Isabelle.

Mairi said: "I didn't even know where Chesham was before I got the job!"

But she said she is thrilled to be playing Princess Isabelle as her 11-month-old niece has the same name.

She said: "I have not done panto for a few years. I did my first panto when I was four, which was Jack and The Beanstalk too.

"It is great to be coming back and doing Jack and the Beanstalk at the princess."

Chris Wills is playing Jack. It is his third panto with his last two in Reading.

He said: "I am really excited- I have heard lots of great things about this panto. I can't wait to get stuck in."

Jack and the Beanstalk is at The Elgiva in Chesham from December 4 to January 3. Tickets are £9 to £16 from 01494 582900 or go to www.elgiva.com.