That, at least, is how it seemed as members of the cast of the Southsea pantomime arrived for their first look at the theatre in Albert Road.

Star of the show Charlene Tilton was absent, the former Dallas star remaining at home in the United States until beginning rehearsals on December 1, but many other members of the cast were present.

Syd Little (Baron Hardup), former CBBC presenter Simon Grant (Buttons) and Tamara Wall (Cinders) were aboard a horse-drawn carriage, along with Paul Critchlow and Michael Fordred (Ugly Sisters) and some of the young dancers.

Syd, the slimmer half of former comedy duo Little and Large, previously appeared in the Kings panto in 2003-04, and said he was amazed by the subsequent refurbishment work.

'The paintings on the ceiling look like the Sistine Chapel in Rome now,' he enthused.

'I'm really looking forward to the panto because I love this theatre.

'Everyone is so friendly and they have all worked hard to get it back on the map.

'Five years ago it was very iffy whether it would stay open or close, but it has done better and better every year, and I'm really impressed.'

He is looking forward to measuring up against Charlene Tilton – Lucy Ewing or 'the poison dwarf' in Dallas – when they appear as Hardup and his wife, the Evil Stepmother, in Cinderella.

Ms Tilton has declared herself to be 5ft 1in, although one website puts her at only 4ft 11in, and Little is four-and-a-half inches taller.

But he reflected sadly that she would still outstrip him when she had her heels on.

Cinderella runs from December 10 to January 4. Tickets: (023) 9282 8282 or www.kings-southsea.com