The king of magic, Paul Daniels, joins Alice In Wonderland at The Grove Theatre

That’s right. Panto is for life not just for Christmas.

The Grove Theatre launched Easter panto last year and the inspired programming proved so successful that they’re doing it again this April.

The 75-year-old entertainer plays the King Of Hearts while his wife, the lovely Debbie McGee, appears as the White Rabbit.

The sensational ventriloquist Steve Hewlett, winner of Britain’s Got Talent, is joined by sidekick Arthur Lager to play Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee.

Said Paul: “I’ve often wondered by no-one’s ever done an Easter panto but this year the Easter school holidays stretch over three weeks so it makes putting together a very expensive show more economical and realistic.

“And this is a high quality show.

“We wanted to do it as soon as we read the script.

“It’s a great story for the Easter period and they’ve come up with something that blends both Through The Looking Glass and Wonderland.

“Children coming to this will have a world of wonder and laughter.

And, yes, there will be magic but not obviously so. It will be seemlessly part of the story.”

The cast only have about nine days rehearsal because the stars have been touring.

Plus Paul and Debbie have had a well publicised battle keeping the floods out of their riverside-home.

The couple have been working together for 35-years and married for nearly 26.

Said Paul: “We love working together.

“She is my best friend. We make each other laugh. We have a great relationship.”

Alice In Wonderland runs from April 18-21.

For tickets call the box office 01582 602080. or visit www.grovetheatre.co.uk