A gorilla voiced by Brian Blessed is the star of the show in this year's Rose Theatre Christmas production, which opens tonight.
The Snow Gorilla is the story of orphan Sunny, the magical Circus Marigny and the Mighty Gor - who speaks in tones not too dissimilar from Prince Vultan in Flash Gordon.
And anticipation is already building amongst theatre goers heading to tonight's show.
@MathiesonJosh tweeted: "Off to @Rosetheatre tonight for the very first performance of #SnowGorilla... Exceptionally excited!"
Town centre managers Kingstonfirst also tweeted from its official account: "Looking forward to the first preview of #SnowGorilla tonight at 7pm @Rosetheatre".
Last week the Surrey Comet caught up with actress Joanne Heywood, who plays ringmaster Fanny Marigny.
You can read our interview here.
The Snow Gorilla opens tonight at 7pm and runs until Sunday, January 5.
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