It's The Stage Company’s 11th pantomime and it promises to be a traditional feast of slapstick, laughs, songs and sketches.
This year the Meltham-based players have chosen Aladdin and will be performing from Thursday, February 5, until Saturday, February 8, at St Bartholomew’s Church Hall.
Produced by Kirsty Haigh, who is also involved with Longwood Amateur Operatic Society and a member of the tribute band Whispering Jim, the show has turned out to be quite a family affair.
The large cast of 35 includes no fewer than 23 children, among them sons and daughters of leading adult actors. Village children Miriam Lomas, eight, and Elliot Haigh, also eight, are following in the footsteps of their parents, Paul Lomas (the Genie of the Lamp) and producer Kirsty.
Alison Denton, who takes the role of Pep-si, will be joined on stage by her two daughters Masey, 7, and Keeley,11. And Heidi Ellis (Slave of the Ring) is acting alongside her mum Vicky.
“We’ve got parents working backstage too,” says Kirsty. “And I have tried to make sure that everybody gets a go at things. It’s all about giving the children the experience and building up their confidence. It’s wonderful to see them blossom.”
The company, which was founded in 2003, originally with the name Slaithwaite Stage Company, has members of all ages, with the youngest aged six and the oldest a youthful 61.
Forced to relocate to Meltham when Slaithwaite Civic Hall closed, the thespians now call themselves The Stage Company – Meltham and have attracted new members from the village community.
Helen Lockwood is taking the title role of Aladdin, with Alicia Valentine as Princess Jasmine; Chris McAvoy is Widow Twankey and Dan Tyas is Wishee Washee.
The musical director is Christine Lockwood and the choreography for the show was a joint enterprise by Nicola Worrall and Kirsty.
Tickets for the show, which has a matinee on Saturday, January 8, are £4.50 and £7 from The Flower Box in Meltham or by calling 01484 684998.
