SOUTHERN Vectis joined Fairy Cucumber — ‘Allo ‘Allo! comedy legend Sue Hodge — and Dame Trott — TV funnyman Christopher Marlowe) — to celebrate a special partnership with 1Leisure Medina Theatre.

The bus operator is the official travel partner for this year’s pantomime, and is encouraging theatregoers to leave their cars at home and make their way to see Jack and the Beanstalk by bus instead.

Southern Vectis’ Joe Quinlan said: “We can’t wait to join in the fun. Jack is our hero. He does a brilliant job in defeating the giant in the panto — and we at Southern Vectis have an equally serious challenge on our hands.

“It’s no joke that congestion is causing a reduction in the quality of air across the Isle of Wight, but just one of our double decker buses can take up to 75 cars off the road. Even Jack’s mother would be pleased about that!

“We offered Fairy Cucumber and Dame Trott the chance to see how great it is to travel with us this week - the Dame had priority seating of course. They loved it. And, this festive season, there is a great opportunity for others to do the same — sit back, relax, and let us drive them all the way to the beanstalk.

“There will also be chances for Southern Vectis customers to win tickets for the panto — and we’ll be offering special coach hire rates for groups travelling to the show.

“The beanstalk is obviously the very best way of reaching the giant’s castle — but if you don’t have one of those, a bus really is a superb second option.”

Medina Theatre’s very own Prince Charming (and theatre manager),Tim Ashwell added: “The beanstalk might be the best way to get to the giant’s castle but we think Southern Vectis is the best way to get to Medina Theatre to see this wonderful giant of a panto. Oh yes it is!”

Jack and the Beanstalk runs from Sunday, December 23 until Saturday, January 5.