And there is certainly plenty of festive feeling in Jack and the Beanstalk. Director and writer Chris Jordan, who also appears as the voice of the Giant Blunderbore, shuns the 'celeb of the moment' attitude to casting that some other theatres follow and focuses on the calibre of performers.
And this has meant Eastbourne has enjoyed a well-deserved reputation for putting on quality, traditional pantos with not a single Big Brother contestant in sight.
This year's Jack and the Beanstalk boasts a towering beanstalk, a proper giant and a top-notch cast.
Returning for more panto fun are Eastbourne favourites Carl Patrick, as Simple Simon, and Martyn Knight as Dame Trot - who are as impressive as ever - while newcomers are Emma Barton, who has swapped EastEnders for Eastbourne and shows off her vocal skills, and thigh-slapping, as Jack, Kevin Pallister who injects plenty of fun into the baddie Fleshcreep, Sophie Isaacs as Princess Jill, Karen Mann as Fairy Fuchsia and a star-making performance from Clarabelle the Cow.
There is dancing, singing, a smattering of Strictly references and plenty of fun for all the family - resulting in some delighted shrieking from the little ones. And some of the not so little ones.
Jack and the Beanstalk is on until January 10. Call 412000 for tickets and details of performance times.