A CHEEKY kitty is taking centre stage in Bolton this week for the final pantomime of the season.

Victoria Hall ADS is bringing to life the tale of Puss in Boots with a cast supported by a chorus of 15 youngsters, some of whom are performing for the first time.

Among them is teenager Lucy Foster, in her first major role playing Puss.

And some of the cast of dedicated youngsters have been taking the theatrical luck-giving phrase ‘break a leg’ a little too literally!

Society member Dawn Hargreaves said: “Rehearsals have been going well and everyone is getting into their parts nicely. However, we were hit with a big blow when one of our cast members, David Walsh, had an accident, resulting in him having an operation on his knee.

“This put him out of action and therefore out of the pantomime!

“With only four rehearsals to go John Shawcross, who hasn’t trod the boards for some time due to work and family commitments, stepped in to help, and it’s like he’s never been away.”

The story follows cheeky little moggy Puss whose devotion to his master sees him scheming to find him love by pair him up with a Princess.

After the moggy’s magical transformation into a boot-wearing and talking cat, Natalie Quinn will take over the lead role.

She is performing alongside her husband Roger, as Tom, one half of the usual village idiot’s duo and Major Domo, and in the chorus will be their daughter.

Dawn added: “We have many family units within our group, involved in every area imaginable.”

Other lead roles include Matthew Wilkinson as Harry, Katie Barnes as Princess Tulip, Emma Dearden as Dick, Brendan Higgins as the King and Barry Massey takes up the customary Dame role as the Queen.

The show starts tomorrow and runs for six productions across Saturday, January 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7.15pm.

To book tickets call 01204 845493, email info@victoriahallads.com, or visit the Victoria Hall box office in Knowsley Street.