THE pantomime season is upon us and Bolton theatregoers are ready to get booing and cheering throughout Christmas.

Ready to bring some seasonal delight are the cast of Bolton Little Theatre who have found the perfect panto with Cinderella.

Starting next week, the show features all the family favourites - from men in drag to hapless sidekicks and doe-eyed lovers.

Director Paul Cohen said: “It’s an imaginative and hilarious reworking of the old pantomime classic, so as well as the many strong traditional characters such as the delightful Cinderella, a particularly endearing Buttons, a lovely Prince Charming and outrageously funny Ugly Sisters, there are some new comedy additions including Bodget and Leggett, our two comic builders.”

In this Bolton version, audiences get to meet Bodget and Leggett ,who arrive to redevelop Hardship Hall, and Hagan the pantomime horse who provides a novel twist in his ‘tail’.

Chairman and local baker David Smart dons make-up and dress as he takes on the iconic role of one of the Ugly Sisters.

He said: “I never grow tired of the fun and audience interaction of panto.

“Alongside all the serious acting we do at Bolton Little Theatre, we’ve really loved making the most of just larking about in front of an audience.”

Matt Seber, who plays Bodget, has chosen the panto as his first show with the amateur dramatic group. He added: “It’s been quite an introduction to the company.

“I performed in a comedy at the Forge Theatre here in the summer for another society, but this has been quite unlike anything I’ve ever done.

"The hilarity just rolls off the stage into the audience – I can’t wait to see the kids’ faces during our comedy moments.”

The usual family fun and mayhem is expected, mixed in with audience participation and slapstick from the BLT seasonal show, which the team expects to become a firm Christmas fixture for many seasons to come.

Cinderella runs from December 7 to 11, and again on December 14 to 18, including matinees on December 11 and December 17 and 18.

To book tickets, call the box office on 01204 524469 or visit www.boltonlittletheatre.co.uk.