Panto fun and mayhem heads for church stage

Despite the festive season being over, the churches are putting on a production of Cinderella next month as a non profit-making community event.

Producer Ruth Yarborough and Writer/Director Ian Thomson-Smith – both church stalwarts – devised the idea for an out-of-season pantomime to give the population of Bilton a post-Christmas pick-me-up.

The cast is made up entirely of amateurs from members of the congregation and features panto wordplay, dance routines and singing and audience participation. All will be accompanied by a live band directed by local musician, Pam Else.

One cast member said: “The people who come to see the show will get a satisfying helping of good old-fashioned entertainment to shake off the post-Christmas blues.

“We’re hoping to see a lot of familiar faces but also a lot of new ones to enjoy the evening’s festivities with us.

“It will make you laugh and it will be the perfect way for the community to spend a cold winter’s evening together having fun.”

Parish Rector, Rev Simon Dowson, said: “It’s going to be a great performance; everyone is welcome, whether they come to church or not.”

The performance will take place inside St John’s Church on Thursday February 4 and 5 at 7pm. Tickets are £7 and £4 (children) from the church office in Bilton Lane or from Ruth on 07825 700650.