OH yes it is... East Lancashire's first panto of the 2002 season will be opening tonight.

With two months still to go to Christmas, St Stephen's Players are presenting Jack and the Beanstalk at The Hall, Woodgrove Road, Burnley.

The curtain goes up at 7.30pm and there will be nightly performances through the week with a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

The panto has been produced by Linda Pounder, whose husband Keith is the musical director.

Musical arrangements are by John Ormerod and the choreographer is Tracey Heywood.

Players' publicity officer Malcolm Stewart said: "With a cast of more than 30 people, including 14 children, the show includes some popular songs from past and present.

"And in the great St Stephen's tradition promises to provide a good evening's entertainment for all the family."

The Mayor and Mayoress of Burnley, Coun Gordon and Mrs Kathleen Birtwistle, will join the first-night festive audience tonight.

And Players members will take a collection for the Mayor's Charity Appeal Fund at the end of each performance.

Tickets are £5 adults and £4 children.

Concessions for senior citizens are £4 tonight only.