PANTO fun is set to make a return to Edgworth after more than a decade without Dames, principal boys and slapstick humour.

For 11 years The Barlow stage has been bereft of its own pantomime but a band of thespians is about to put all that behind them.

The venue will host a revival of the traditional festive productions at the start of next year and organisers are appealing for people to get on board with the project.

Producer Heather Doule hopes the community will get involved in the show which used to feature a packed cast of youngsters.

She said: “It has been a long time since we did a village pantomime, much longer than any of us realised.

“Last time we did it, we had 80 children in the cast. We had to put the chorus in the seating area with the audience because the stage was full. We are hoping to attract similar numbers this time!

“It was a highlight of the year, it started off after the summer holidays and once Christmas and New Year was over there was so much happening. It was a really exciting time for the kids with dress rehearsals and they would be buzzing all month."

Miss Doule, aged 62, was involved in the previous run of pantomimes which started back in 2001 but came to an end when their writer moved from the area.

But, working alongside director Anthony Appleton, she has secured one of the original scripts - Cindy and the Nike Trainer - with plans to bring it up to date.

But the script is not the only challenge a backdrops and props stored in the basement were ruined in flooding.

"It will be a big task getting it all sorted again,” said Miss Doule.

The production is being sponsored by The White Horse in North Turton and fundraisers are also being held to support the event.

Anyone who wants to get involved with the production, in anything from acting to scenery, is asked to contact The Barlow on 01204 852216 or email info@thebarlow.co.uk.