SMASHING plates, custard pies and explosions are just some of the things you can expect to see in a one-off production of Alice in Pantoland .

This comedic pantomime is set to put a smile on even the most serious face as slapstick scenes make audiences chuckle out loud.

Millom Palladium’s pantomime is all about having fun. Lucy Thompson, producer of Alice in Pantoland , said: “It’s a traditional pantomime in the old sense – so it’s just a bit of fun.”

Alice in Pantoland follows the adventures of Lewis Carroll’s protagonist from Alice in Wonderland . Set in an imaginary land where characters go after the end of their stories, Alice in Pantoland follows the story of a wicked witch who tries to take over the magical land before going on to conquer the human realm.

However, Queen May joins forces with Alice and Simple Simon to try and stop the wicked witch, save Pantoland – and the rest of the world.

Mrs Thompson said: “It’s got lots of silliness in it – it’s very slapstick and comedic which is more fun for everyone on stage as well as off.

“It’s my first time as a producer but I knew I really wanted something that would get the kids to laugh out loud rather than just having the goodies and the baddies.

“That’s still a major part of it but it’s just a bit more fun.

“Usually you would have to go miles away to see a pantomime that’s as messy as this. There’s one scene in particular that just has everything going on. It’s got smashing plates, custard pies, explosions, faces in trifles – it’s chaos.”

The show is running this week at 7.30pm with the final Saturday performance being a matinee at 2.30pm.

As the on-stage chaos continues in Millom, companies across Cumbria are gearing up to celebrate panto season and none is more excited than Barrow’s very own pantomime guru, Joe Purdy. The 23-year-old fanatic has seen more than 100 pantomimes and believes the shows are a vital ingredient to Christmas celebrations.

Mr Purdy said: “I think pantomimes are so special as for many it’s a family tradition and a chance when several generation of family can get together and enjoy a trip to the theatre.

“Pantomime is so different to other theatre experiences as it offers something for people of all ages.”

Mr Purdy is particularly excited about the sparkly showstopper, Jack and the Beanstalk , at The Forum, Barrow, next month. He said: “In our area we don’t have much choice for professional shows but Barrow is definitely a must-see this year. It’s got a new producer for the first time in nearly 10 years and it’s promising to be Barrow’s biggest pantomime ever.”