TICKETS for York Theatre Royal’s 2017-18 pantomime, Jack And The Beanstalk, go on sale this morning from 9am at the box office.

Dame Berwick Kaler, villain David Leonard and perennial principal girl Suzy Cooper, together with Theatre Royal staff, will greet the queues, which are expected to form around the block as loyal fans turn out to buy the best seats in the house.

Jack And The Beanstalk will be the 39th year in the Theatre Royal pantomime for Britain's longest-serving dame and, as ever, Berwick will write and co-direct the production too for its run from December 14 to February 3 2018.

“Once again we've had another rip roaring success with Cinderella and we’re already looking forward to working all that York Theatre Royal magic on Jack And The Beanstalk," said Berwick. "Jack And The Beanstalk is one of my all-time favourite and this will be the sixth time I’ve done it in my 39-year reign but I’m sure this will be the ultimate. As always, the panto’s success is down to support from its loyal audiences and I look forward to seeing some familiar faces in the queue.”

Artistic director Damian Cruden added: "The pantomime launch is one of the things that makes directing here at York Theatre Royal a real privilege; it’s great to see people returning year after year. Once again we’ve assembled our talented team to deliver the stunning spectacle that our audiences look forward to.”

Every year, die-hard fans choose to sleep outside the Theatre Royal overnight to make sure they book their favourite seats. This year the theatre opened up a specially designated space in the De Grey Rooms, from 8pm last night, so that fans would be able to keep warm. At 8am, the queue will be relocated to outside the St Leonard's Place building and the box office will open at 9am for the first ticket sales.

Berwick, David and Suzy and the Theatre Royal team will be on hand, and in costume, to lift the spirits of those in the queue and to hand out tea and coffee.

Tickets initially will be on sale today in person only at the box office before online sales start at 6pm at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk. Telephone bookings can be made from tomorrow morning on 01904 623568.