Homemade panto fun in Bilton

Taking up their traditional spot at the end of the panto queue, they present Don’t Wake the King at Crescent School from Friday, March 3, to Sunday, March 5.

Following on from last year’s take on Cinderella, when dad Kevin Bright directed a show written by his two children, Kirsty and Anthony Bright, this year’s show also has a strong family showing.

It has been written by Jennifer Eaton and the cast of 40 includes her son Guy and granddaughter Ashleigh.

And Jennifer, from Cawston, relished the challenge. She said: “Knowing I used to write the Christmas plays for the junior school where I worked, Guy said, ‘Why don’t you write a pantomime, Mum?’

“So I did. I enjoy writing any kind of play. I don’t have to say what the characters are thinking or feeling. It is the cast that brings the words and characters to life, and this year’s cast has certainly done that.”

Bilton Pantomummers always produce new versions of pantos but Don’t Wake the King is an original piece while still having the usual mix of goodies and baddies, audience participation and more, including a sleepy king.

Performances are at 7.30pm on Friday, March 3, at 3pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, March 4, and at 3pm on Sunday, March 5, at Crescent School, Bawnmore Road, Bilton.

Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for children from Bilton Chemist or Bilton Post Office in the village centre. Tickets can also be bought online by visiting Bilton Pantomummers on Facebook.