It was definitely looking a lot like Christmas at the Gateway Theatre in Seaton last weekend, when families young and old joined in the Festive Family Fun Day.

Father Christmas and his elves met children in his grotto, decorated with a glowing fire, Christmas tree and comfy armchairs.

There was also cookie decorating, stockings to colour in to hang above the fireplace, colourful paperchains to make and take home, and a special polar express post box where theatre worked its magic, and children could send their letters straight to the North Pole.

But whilst all this was going on in the theatre, three ugly sisters were cavorting around Seaton with everyone and a dashing Prince Charming who was trying his best to keep them in order whilst they promoted the Christmas panto coming up next week.

They were reportedly seen testing the firmness of the melons in Tesco, having a swift half in the pub, looking for some juicy joints in the Taste of Devon butchers, and choosing a card for their sweethearts in Paperchain!

There really was no stopping their mischievous behaviour, but when it's panto time at The Gateway Theatre, you sometimes just have to let it go!

So, if you want to see more antics with some larger than life characters who will take you on a journey to London in search of adventure, then make sure you book your tickets for Dick Whittington now.

The show will be staged from Monday, December 19 to Wednesday, December 21 with matinees on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and an evening performance on Tuesday.

For more details visit the website www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or visit the box office open Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 1pm or call 01297 625699.