Greenwich Theatre’s panto has built up a deserved reputation for being one of the best in the country over recent years. Returning writer, director and Dame, Andrew Pollard is keen to keep the standards up with Jack and the Beanstalk.

Unusually for panto, the theatre doesn’t rely on a star name to carry the show but it hardly seems to matter.

Andrew, who has been the brains behind nine Greenwich pantomimes, said: “We have never had star names but what we try to do instead is get really good quality performers. We get lots of people who have been in West End shows and we try to put on a good show.”

He added: “There is a pressure to give the best show you can or even up the ante a bit every year.

“It keeps you spurred on. We are part of people’s Christmasses now, there’s no doubt about it. People book very early to come and see it.”

Work started on this year’s show just after the last one finished, with Andrew drafting several versions of the script until it reached perfection and working with the designers to build a bespoke set and costumes.

An important aspect of this year’s show as far as Andrew is concerned is the presence of the giant.

He said: “I have seen quite a few Jack and the Beanstalks where you never see the giant and I think that is always really disappointing because you are building up and building up to this thing and if you don’t deliver then it’s a bit of a letdown.

“So we have got a big old giant.”

Jobbing actor Andrew, 47, is now part of a tight unit who produce Greenwich Theatre’s panto - including returning actors, band and musical director Steve Marwick – but he was initially drawn by the chance to write.

He said: “I have always done panto since I became an actor. The chance to get to write them was a big pull because I have always had the love of it. Once you’ve had that, you don’t want to let it go.

“Now I direct them as well. It’s like my big toy box at Christmas.”

As well as writing and directing, of course, Andrew is one of the country’s best-loved Dames.

He said: “I get to be a comedian, that’s what I love. Most of the time I’m a jobbing actor through the year.

“I’ve just finished a play, Ibsen’s Ghost, where it’s very dark. I play a lot of repressed middle-aged men. This is the total opposite.

“I get to play out all my heroes as a kid: Eric Morecambe, Les Dawson and all those people. It is a chance for me to let go.”

Jack and the Beanstalk, Greenwich Theatre, Thursday, November 20 to January 11. Tickets £27, £21 concessions and children half price. Go to greenwichtheatre.org.uk or call 020 88587755.