SCHOOLCHILDREN received an early introduction to the joys of pantomime when a group from The Anvil visited a Basingstoke school.

Christopher Lillicrap, who will play the role of the Dame in this year's production of Mother Goose, spent a morning at Kings Furlong Junior School, helping the pupils to understand the traditions behind panto.

Anvil community arts officer Rebekah Bernstein said the workshops are designed to introduce children to the basics of the traditional festive show.

She added: "We tell the children where pantomime first originated from and how it has developed over the years.

"Pantos are very different to normal theatre, because it is vital to have audience participation.

"These workshops help the children to understand why they need to be involved."

Mr Lillicrap certainly looked the part when he visited the school, dressed in the pink dress and make-up he will don for his role as Mother Goose.