Cannon and Ball have returned to Hull New Theatre for this year's pantomime Jack and The Beanstalk with hopes of setting a new box office record.

They broke the box office in 2005 with Dick Whittington and that record was broken by Cinderella the next year.

One half of the comedy team, Tommy Cannon, took some time out between shows to have a word.

The shows been running since Thursday, December 13, and according to Tommy is going without a hitch, he says: "Like all good shows you start of slowly and it might need a few nips and tucks and then it runs well and hopefully we get to the end with none of the cast getting sick."

When asked about the pantomime Tommy was very enthusiastic, he says: "They have got the most amazing giant, its 40ft tall and nearly 40ft across the shoulders. They also have what must be the world's biggest beanstalk courtesy of the production team Qdos."

Are the Hull audiences especially responsive to the show and do they all join in? He says: "We were in Southend last year and that was great so it's not just Hull. You get shows with mum, dad, grandparents and the children in and you have a great night. Other shows, especially during the day you can have a group of500 school kids in with only four teachers and it is a nightmare. It just depends.

"But Hull is great for children.

You do see mothers with babes in arms and that's a little strange as they are so young but then you get the other children. Five-year olds coming with their parents and it's their first visit to theatre, with all the colours and the lights. That's very rewarding."

Do Cannon and Ball have any set pieces for this year's audience: "We have a big massive plate routine that is very funny and a sketch with us trying to milk a cow. We can't milk it and the end result is that we have to stick a Hoover up its rear end and suck the milk out which then ends up in a plastic bag, the gag is its boil in the bag."

Tommy and his long time partner Bobby Ball had just returned from a stint on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here when they performed in Dick Whittington and worked off their new fame by dropping on to the stage by a rope and having jungle music playing for their entrance.

When Tommy was asked will there be any nods to I'm A Celebrity this year he says: "No, not really. We went on the show for the adventure and although nobody says it to get paid a few quid."

  • Jack and The Beanstalk will run until Saturday, January 12. The shows are Tuesday to Saturday at 2pm and 7pm and on Sundays at 1pm and 5pm. Ticket bookings can be made through the box office on 01482 226655.