Holt is a village full of drama for the next couple of weeks, as first resident actors from Holt Dramatic Society present their annual pantomime, and then one of the village’s pubs hosts a murder mystery play.

Hansel and Gretel director Dee Hughes said: “This pantomime is adapted from the rather grim but famous fairy story by the Brothers Grimm.

“I have kept the ‘Grimness’ to a minimum and put in plenty of laughs to lighten the story, which is about Hansel and Gretel, who are lured by two villains into the forest at the behest of their stepmother but find friends.

“Then they come upon a gingerbread house hidden away in the forest, the home of a nasty witch. As they are very hungry they start to nibble the house when the witch catches them and lures them into her home – she wants to turn them into gingerbread. They are rescued in the nick of time.

“All the laughs are provided by the Dame who runs the local school, and the two hapless villains Bodgit and Bungle the local builders. All the usual ingredients of a traditional panto, the lovers, the comics, the dame and the villains, as well as songs, dances and fun. Come along and join in.”

The show runs from February 19-22 in Holt Village Hall at 7.30pm and 2pm on Sunday. Tickets from Holt Superstore or online at www.holtdrama.org.uk Meanwhile, there will be murders, mayhem and all kinds of skulduggery when Smoke & Mirrors, a professional murder mystery company, visit the Tollgate Inn, Holt, on Thursday, February 26 with Bell, Book & Scandal.

The year is 1924. Dame Fanny Rackham is the greatest classical actress of her generation; her son Freddy is the greatest magician of his. Guests are invited to a double celebration: Dame Fanny’s 60th birthday, and an exclusive performance of Freddy’s dazzling new show, with Freddy’s glamorous assistant Flora, his embittered twin Fergus, his professional nemesis Francis and Dame Fanny’s husband Ferdinand – who died seven months ago.

With a wonderful blend of murder mystery, high comedy, cryptic clues, good food and shocking twists, Bell, Book & Scandal is Agatha Christie meets Downton Abbey – and you’re welcome to dress up for the occasion. There’s even a champagne prize for the best sleuths.

Smoke & Mirrors say: “The guests can play along as much or as little as they wish, in or out of character. It’s a fantastically enjoyable way to dine out.

“Every event is different: there are always surprises; there’s always comedy and of course there’s always murder.”

Tickets, £39 for the murder mystery and three-course dinner, from 01225 782326 or email laura@tollgateinn.co.uk