The Stage

In a world of pantomime, the Eastern Angles Christmas show offers something different: instead of reimagining fairy tales, this Ipswich-based company opts for genre send-ups. This year we get St Trinian's crossed with Father Ted with a dash of The 39 Steps.

It's a cracking show from the regular writing and directing team of Pat Whymark and Julian Harries. In terms of gags per minute and the way they weave the various elements of the 1930s boarding-school genre into the story, this is one of their best.

They are supported by a first-rate cast, lead by regular collaborator Greg Wagland, who swap character and costume with astonishing speed.

Performed in traverse, the set not only serves the narrative but has been designed to add to the gag count, with features such as portable windows and secret compartments.

Francesca Gosling delivers an engagingly breathless performance as new girl Alice Trumpington, while newcomer Joe Leat takes command of the show and makes his Irish mother superior shine with a sense of joyous fun.

The high level of invention and genuine sense of fun makes this an exceptionally good entry in a run of tailor-made Christmas shows going back 25 years.