Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum, an eight-foot giant is preparing to face a first-time principal boy in Jack & The Beanstalk, Malton and Norton Amateur Operatic Society's pantomime for 2003.

Car salesman Rory Queen will grow from 6ft 5ins to nearly eight feet in the wig and platform boots of panto giant Blunderbore.

"It's frightening up there, like walking on a ladder!", says Rory, who will face the 5ft 6in Laura Barker, playing her first lead as Jack the Giantkiller.

He was dared to audition for the show by relatives who also perform with the society. His niece, 15-year-old Lauren Thackray, is in the panto with Rory, while daughter Emily, seven, is studying dance at Kirkham-Henry Performing Arts Centre in Malton. "When I saw Emily stand on stage in front of so many people, I realised that if she could do it, so could I!" says Rory.

Veteran panto comic Ian Goring will step out of character this time to spread confusion as the giant's henchman, Fleshcreep.

Their adversary, York teenager Laura Barker, will step up to the rank of principal boy in a Malton & Norton panto for the first time after small roles in previous shows. "I can't wait to get on stage," says Laura, who will partner stalwart society performer Laurie Scarth, who is principal girl Jill this year.

The latest John Coates production also will feature an irresistible and independent panto cow called Daisy; Stewart Ainley as poor Dame Trott; Mark Boler, the pestering King; Sarah Clyde, Fairy Moonbeam; and Scott Garnham as Silly.

Junior and senior dancers from the Kirkham Henry Centre will form the chorus in the society's 54th pantomime.

Last staged in Malton in 1994, Jack & The Beanstalk will run in the Milton Rooms until January 25 at 7.15pm nightly with 2.15pm matinees tomorrow and next Saturday. Tickets: £7, £5, from Jack-in-a-Box, Malton, tel 01653 693497; £1 reduction on all seats for the first night.

Updated: 10:00 Friday, January 17, 2003