THE pantomime season is well underway with theatre groups across Bolton bringing in the festive season by staging a classic fairytale – and Victoria Hall ADS is no exception.

The society is currently working hard to prepare for a very special version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, written by cast member Barry Massey.

The panto is suitable for all the family, and includes plenty of audience participation and magical adventures, featuring everyone's favourite princess, Snow White.

Publicity officer Anne Dixon said: “The rehearsals are going well, and everyone is getting into their characters, especially now we have had a dress rehearsal, and the cast are finding themselves magically transformed into the roles they are playing."

Snow White is played by Katie Barnes - who was the front end of a pantomime cow last year. Prince Bob, who comes to Snow White's rescue, is played by Natalie Quinn, and the Wicked Queen – who will give the audience plenty to boo and hiss about – is played by Anne Dixon.

The crazy comedy is provided by Matt Wilkinson as Cheeky the Palace Footman, and Barry Massey as Nurse Dolly Mixture.

The Seven Dwarfs are played with great enthusiasm by Anna Quinn as Bizzy, Hollie Daley as Fizzy, Morgan-Grace Pennington-Rothwell as Snizzy, Maya Gola as Quizzy, Sophie Newsham as Dizzy, Leah Grundy as Grizzy, and Eleanor Smart as Hugh – who makes a surprisingly tall dwarf.

Anne added: “All the dwarfs have very individual personalities, and Hugh, in particular, is a surprisingly tall dwarf, which all adds to the comedy.

“There are also some surprising characters, including an evil troll who lives deep in the palace dungeon - Gruesome The Gory Goblin - played with gusto by Robert Goodier. He is too gruesome to photograph!”

Performances are at 7.15pm on January 8, 9, 15, 16, 18, 22 and 23, in the Lower Theatre at the Victoria Hall in Knowsley Street.

Tickets are priced at £7 for adults and £4 for children and concessions, and are available from Anne by calling 01706 551 123.