A filmed James Bond parody, with Olly Day running through Cromer and taking a boat out to the theatre on the end of the pier, makes an engaging start to Christmas Seaside Special.

A scene from the Christmas Seaside Special at the Pavilion Theatre, Cromer

From there, it’s business as usual in the latest in a long line of Christmas and summer variety shows that Di Cooke has devised, directed and choreographed for Openwide Coastal at the Pavilion Theatre. With the formula - two comedians, a male and a female vocalist, six dancers and ensemble musical medleys - varying not a jot from year to year, individual shows stand or fall on the talent booked.

On this occasion, warm and funny local comedian Day is a safe pair of hands as host. Pithy Yorkshire comic Jo Little is a good balance for Day and the two work well together in several sketches. Singers Eddie Bushell and Lulu Alexandra have a likeable boy and girl next door quality. The dance numbers are choreographed with their usual verve and include a punchy mod routine.

Compared with previous Seaside Specials, this is a good year rather than a vintage one. But do the number of empty seats on opening night suggest the format is becoming a little too familiar?