by Alan Quick

FEBRUARY sees the 50th anniversary of the Whitestone Players, who will present their pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk from February 7 to 11.

Performances, which will take place in the Village Hall, commence at 7.30pm each evening and there will be a 2.30pm matinee show on the Saturday.

The very first performance staged by Whitestone Players in 1967 was “Jack and the Beanstalk” and this was the reason it is being staged this year.

Laurence Blade (53), co-producer and director, said that rehearsals were going well and said it would be fun-filled show with lots of dancing and jokes.

He explained that the cast, with dancers, comprised more than 30 people and added that there were also 30 helpers and backstage people involved.

He said the Players had always staged traditional pantomimes which were for the whole family to enjoy and said this was “perfect for some entertainment on a cold winter’s night”.

Laurence, who has been involved with the Players for 35 years, said pantos were “more uptempo nowadays”.

Dr Jane Richards (83), who takes to the stage as Humphrey, the Royal Equerry, has been involved with almost every production, at first helping produce the programme for a number of years before taking to the stage.

She emphasised how the pantomimes staged were family-friendly and said that this year’s panto even gives a mention to “Brexit”.

Some of the back-stage helpers have been involved for many years, in one case the third generation of the family was taking to the stage this year.

Ticket prices for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are £5 for adults and £2.50 for under 14’s and the Friday and Saturday (evening and matinee) shows are £6 for adults and £3 for under 14’s.

For the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday performances there is a buy four, get one free offer on tickets.

Bookings are now being taken and can be made by calling the Box Office on 01392 811245 or email: [email protected] .