IT’S that time of year again, when people are filling their diaries with festive dates, which of course includes the mandatory panto.

If the traditional kind isn’t really for you, you might like to try out Oh Yes It Is! The fully improvised panto was last held in 2013 and was a roaring success.

This panto asks for more than just booing and cheering – it wants you to shape the showwith suggestions.

The SMASHimprov troupe behind the production, say the only thing that’s certain is “with a live band, imaginative technical team and ten brilliant improvisers the audience is in for a panto trip to remember”.

Ali James, member of the troupe, said: “That show was a great success at the Alex in Southend, and now we’re back, in the theatre this time, with a new set, costumes and cast.

“We’re really excited about the showand will be supporting Southend Mencap again with a percentage of our proceeds. This year we’ll be making up four pantos on the trot with a family friendly matinee on the Saturday afternoon.”

SMASHimprov promise to bring you “spontaneous dance routines, made up special effects, inventive costumes, live songs and unrehearsed comedy routines”.

Oh Yes it Is! Will be held in the Dixon Studio at the Palace Theatre, from Thursday December 10 until Saturday December 12.

Tickets are £10 and £8 for concessions, available from southendtheatres.org.uk or by calling the box office on 01702 351135