ORGANISERS of a village pantomime, returning after 12 years, have been overwhelmed by the ‘magnificent’ response and the talent shown at the recent auditions.

Actors are scheduled to take to the stage at The Barlow in Edgworth in February to perform Cindy And The Lost Croc.

Potential performers aged between five and 14 took part in auditions earlier this month.

Role included Cinders, Princey, The Fairy Godmother, Ugly Stepsisters, Stepmother, Baron, Queen and King.

Heather Dowle, producer, said: “The auditions went very well, it was grand.

“We had two audition nights and I was particularly impressed with the patience of all the parents because these things do take a while.

“Some of the children will be stars and some will be part of the chorus.”

The Barlow recently launched the pantomime and Heather said she was over the moon with the response from people offering to volunteer to help out.

She added: “I was absolutely thrilled. The response from everybody has been magnificent.

“We have a lot of work to do. Because it is our first in 12 years, we have to start from scratch as a lot of the old things have been thrown out.

“It is all about the community and about The Barlow being the centre of the village.”

Heather, 62, was involved in the previous run of pantomimes which started back in 2001 but ended when their writer moved from the area.

Working alongside director Anthony Appleton, she has secured one of the original scripts — Cindy and the Nike Trainer — and is currently in the process of bringing it up to date.

Although around 60 people auditioned, there are still places available.

Anyone who wants to get involved with the production, in anything from acting to front of house or backstage can contact Heather on 01204 852522.