Marsden is preparing itself for the annual hilarity and mayhem that is the Avalanche Dodgers’ all-male pantomime.

This year’s offering from the punning pen of Peter Armitage, Twisted, is described by the author himself as “the true story of Oliver Twist”.

Peter, who has written and produced every Dodgers’ panto since 1978, when the group was formed, is hoping that it will have audiences wanting more.

For the first time in the history of the show he has handed over the directing reins but will still be involved with the production of the show, which opens on Friday, February 19, in Marsden Parochial Hall.

“We are going to use projection instead of having backcloths,” said Peter, “and I’m going to be helping run the projection machine. We’ll be putting up scenes of London and other places.”

READ MORE: Peter’s Dodgers cash in on panto success

Why is he no longer directing? “When you get to 80 you have got to start letting other people do things - if you want it to carry on,” he says.

The man in charge of the show this year is Michael Hellawell, a Dodgers’ regular and experienced musical performer/director – he produced last year’s Huddersfield Musical Theatre Company’s version of the Broadway Musical Hairspray.

Peter has set Twisted in the year 1828 and says the date is significant but he can’t say why without spoiling the show - so audiences will have to find out for themselves.

“It is the double centenary of a certain event and that started me thinking about it,” says Peter, who writes his pantos every year during a sunshine break in Spain.

Cast members of the Avalanche Dodgers rehearsing at Marsden Conservative club.

The appeal of his shows, which he has described in the past as “vulgar and insulting”, is their topical political satire, outrageous slapstick and local jokes.

They often stray from being politically correct, but Peter remains unabashed. He’s proud of the fact the pantos have raised thousands for charity and become a firm fixture in the Marsden calendar of not-to-be-missed events.

It’s no mean feat to take an original script and turn it into a show but the Marsden men have had plenty of experience.

They even have their own mini orchestra (Jeff Taylor, Craig Ball and Duncan Matley). The only women involved are the two choreographers, Susan Gledhill and Jane Whitwam.

Leading figures in the hardworking cast include: Chris Comber as Oliver, Barney Stevenson as The Beadle, Steve Hendren as Widow Corney, Trevor Berry as Herald, Malcolm Payne as Nancy, Tony Norcliffe as the lisping Thikes; John Donnelly crossing species as Bullseye the dog, Colin Alan as Dodger and Mike Hellawell as Fagin. In true pantomime style there will also be a Fairy, featuring, Peter says, “a guest appearance by the man from Del Monte.”

You have been warned!

Tickets for the show are £8 and £9 from Duncan Matley’s barber shop on Warehouse Hill in Marsden. There are shows on February 19 and 20 and 22 to 27.

The Avalanche Dodgers are so-named because the group was formed by members of Marsden Parish Church Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society who were ‘forced’ to shelter from wintry weather in the pub after a rehearsal.