Former Royal Marines in have stepped up to the mark to help their local theatre.

The Astor Theatre in Deal has been beset with troubles through the pandemic, not just because of the many performances that had to be cancelled, but also because it missed out on a major grant that would have helped it financially.

Brian Short, writer and director of the annual Sergeant's Mess pantomimes is organising a benefit event for the theatre.

His earlier appeal for talent to perform in a Gala Cabaret Show has produced top musicians, comedians, and even some of the Royal Marines panto performers to come together in what promises to be an evening of great variety and entertainment.

Rockabilly swing band Bamboozle, comedians Adam Morrison Jones and the Rev Ravi are just some of the acts giving their time and talents for free.

Just like the pantomimes, a barrack tradition which has been revived since 2013, there's bound to be some adult humour and spectators can expect a surprise guest appearance.

Brian Short said “The Astor has become the home of our annual panto and so, to give a little something back, seems the right thing to do in these difficult times."

The Astor's artistic director James Tillett added “It is really heart-warming to see those local musicians, entertainers and of course our friends from the Royal Marines panto have come together to support us after what has been a really difficult year.”

All proceeds from this unique one-off event will go towards maintaining the theatre and providing even more great entertainment for the town.

The show is on Friday, August 13 at 7 for 7.30pm.

Tickets £15 from the Astor Theatre Box office in Stanhope Road Deal or click here.

For more entertainments news across Kent click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal