It has become a regular event in the local calendar and one enjoyed by generations.
The only break in the pantos since the first has been due to lockdown. Now it's back again and many cast members have been involved for some considerable time.
Originally the idea for a pantomime was born out of a short entertainment provided at Christmas and organised by a lady by the name of Hilda Hagg. That was in 1966 when almost 50 handicapped people from the Forehoe and Henstead District were guests at a party given by Mrs Hagg to celebrate her birthday.
Bingo and games were enjoyed and guests were entertained by "a most amusing pantomime" which subsequently sparked the idea of a regular village panto.
For much of its time the pantomime was written by Mrs Hagg's son Duncan Pigg. Duncan was Mr Pantomime and is still remembered fondly by anyone in the village who knew him. He lived well into his nineties.
By way of a tribute to Duncan, this year's pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk will be based on a previous script by him and there will also be references to him. I have been known to suffer/enjoy a few insults from the stage in my time and I have been known to hurl a few back as well - all in the best possible taste of course.
The pantomime has provided years of entertainment for young and old alike. I have seen a number of professional pantos over the years but the most enjoyable have been those at Hethersett and those decades ago at Loddon. I seem to remember those at Loddon were more slapstick, featuring pantomime cows and lots of gunge which made the stage rather slippery.
At Hethersett we have had stagecoaches, giants, a futuristic city and much more. I'm looking forward to this year's production.