The quality of the first night of the New Royal Marines pantomime explains why the show sold out three months ago.

Tickets were snapped up within hours of being made available in October.

The preview night for Dad’s Barmy, on Tuesday, passed the most important test by getting an immensely enthusiastic audience response.

There was plenty of laughter, cheering and clapping, which proved that the new Sergeant’s Mess show, at the Astor Theatre in Deal, got off to a flying start.

As promised by writer director Brian Short, the acting would be so wooden it would be a fire risk (he said it!).

That’s half the charm, and hilarious it was.

The casts’ true talent lies in their music making, and audiences were enthralled when one musician played the hosepipe with a rather unusual (and heavy) porcelain amplifier.

There were classic Dad’s Army lines and local gags galore, so much so that come the interval, everyone was wanting more.

And the second half did not disappoint.

There were jungle drums characterised by the dancing of a hairy visitor and his club-wielding partner, and the corps de ballet was somewhat “inflated” this year.

Nevertheless, the star of the show was undoubtedly Bob Guest as Mavis Pike, who saved the day hilariously as an air stewardess.

The night ended with a sing-off followed by a couple of renditions of Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Hitler?

All in all, superb entertainment – and all for a good cause.

Dad’s Barmy continues at the Astor Theatre until Saturday, January 14.

Don’t forget to pick up a programme for £2. Proceeds help the 36 charities and good causes supported this year.