Last December the WTO forced the Hong Kong Players to push their annual Christmas romp forward to early January, when the city was treated to a rip-roaring Sleeping Beauty, with plenty of locally themed jokes, a witty script and upbeat songs.

For this November’s production we can expect much of the same with Jack and the Beanstalk. Stephen Bolton, the Players’ chairman, has co-written the script and included a lot of references to Hong Kong. The Players aim to make their pantos as local as possible, usually basing jokes on the geography and the political climate of city. Often gags about local events and celebrities creep in, which Bolton thinks helps to appeal to a wider Hong Kong audience than just those expats more likely to be familiar with pantomimes.

In this year’s production Jack and his mother, Dame Trott, are living in poverty because of the evil Baron Landscape, who plans to take over the whole village. The Trotts can’t pay the rent, so they sell Jack’s beloved cow which, because of stand-over tactics from the baron’s henchmen, only brings them a sack of beans. But the beans are magic, and transform into the oversized beanstalk. Which Jack duly climbs to Giantland where the evil baron has hidden the village treasures and his stepdaughter Melody, Jack’s one true love. Jack must fight it out with the baron, his henchmen and Timmy, the other boy who loves Melody, to save the girl and the day.

This panto will be the first under the Players’ new patron, renowned British actor Richard Griffiths (History Boys, Uncle Vernon in Harry Potter, Gandhi), and will feature his voice as the giant.

The Players approached Griffiths earlier this year when he was touring in Hong Kong with the award-winning play, History Boys. They invited him to host a workshop on The Lion in Winter (which unfortunately the Players had to abandon in 2003 when SARS broke out). The workshop was a success, and the Players’ committee took Griffiths to dinner on the Peak as a gesture of thanks. “We plied him with wine, and then, when the timing was right, we asked him to be our patron, and he agreed,” laughs Bolton.

Director Lucas Cox visited Griffiths on tour in New York and brought up the idea of the actor providing the voice of the giant for the panto. Once more he agreed and recorded the voiceovers shortly after. “He gave us a couple of different recordings for the voice, and worked on some of the rhymes as well. I think the audience will really enjoy [his portrayal],” says Cox.

This year also sees new talent taking the stage, as well as the return of old faithfuls. Both romantic leads are new to pantos. Karen Carmen, who plays Melody, was inspired by the panto earlier in the year to audition for Jack & the Beanstalk. “I saw it [in January] and thought it was really funny. We’ve got a good director, and a good cast and we’re just having a really good time,” says Carmen.

Which is evident at the Players’ rehearsals – the cast are energetic and motivated, and the children who make up the chorus are awash with giggles and mischief. But it’s not just fun and games – when the music starts determination kicks in to get the song and dance routines right. It’s the company’s biggest show of the year and a lot of hard work goes into giving the audience something they can shout and scream about. Literally.

“We want the audience to participate: we want them to cheer and boo and really enjoy themselves,” says Lisa Fletcher, who plays Jack.

From 4 to 80, everyone can enjoy a pantomime – it’s the perfect excuse to behave like a kid and get away with it. And what better way to start the festive season than with a scream, a hiss and a laugh?

Jack & The Beanstalk is showing at the Shouson Theatre, in Wanchai from November 29 to December 3. Show times are November 29, 30, and December 1, 2 at 7:30pm, December 2 matinee at 2:30pm and December 3 matinees at 11:30am and 4pm. Tickets from URBTIX on 2111 5999 and are priced between $150 and $240.