The youngsters had won the Beanstalk Challenge that the theatre set various local primary schools earlier this year.
The children were visited by EastEnders favourite Emma Barton, who plays the role of Jack, Martyn Knight as Dame Trott – complete with fetching new frock – and Carl Patrick who plays Simple Simon in the show.
The Beanstalk Challenge was devised to celebrate the town's pantomime at the Devonshire Park Theatre. Local schools were asked to grow the largest beanstalk possible from seeds and equipment donated by Stone Cross Nursery.
Five schools took part in the event which saw 27 classes, planting a total of 56 sets of beans.
The results were independently judged, and ranged from a modest but still successful 2 foot to a whopping 9½ feet.
Parkland Infant School's gardening group planted the winning beanstalk. The group, which takes place every Friday afternoon under the supervision of teaching assistant Wendy Kurtay, features the Owls and the Penguins – children ranging from five to seven.
The group had to keep a keen eye on the beanstalk and at one point had to use soapy washing water to treat a minor black-fly infestation. The children's vigilance paid off with an award winning 9½ feet plant and the VIP pantomime cast visit.
The panto is on at the Devonshire Park Theatre until January 10. Tickets cost from £10.50, call 412000.