Cheltenham amateur theatre company Promenade Productions will be bringing their annual pantomime to the stage this month.

Promenade Productions was founded in 1984 after a group of Cheltenham locals – Richard Sharpe, Anne Emery, Catherine Newman and John and Gill Pannett – got together to produce ‘Oklahoma’.

Since then the society has grown and now boasts almost 100 members.

“We started off performing at Shaftesbury Hall, which is now a block of flats,” said Chairman John Pannett.

Promenade Productions now perform pantomimes at the Bacon Theatre in January, and a musical in the summer at the Cheltenham Playhouse – this year they will be staging ‘Chicago’ in July.

2019 saw them perform ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ in January, followed by the Stephen Sondheim musical ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’.

“We like doing our panto in January,” continued John, “because it’s the time of year when it can be a bit slow and flat, and people want to see a show to brighten it up.

“The pantomime is always a very popular show, tickets sell out quickly.”

This year the group will be producing their take on ‘Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates’.

The pantomime will be directed and choreographed by Heather M Newman and will have an onstage cast of over 40 – including younger members of the society and a troupe of dancers.

“It’s a traditional family pantomime,” said John, “with plenty of audience participation.

“It’s the classic story of Robinson Crusoe but with the addition of pirates, which the kids will love.”

Rehearsals began before Christmas and John, who has been involved in more than 50 productions over the years, is excited to get back on stage.

He added: “I’m playing the outrageous dame, we’ve got a professionally-built set and we’re fully costumed.

“Rehearsals have been going well, we’ve been getting together three or four times a week in the build up. We’re all really looking forward to it.”

For tickets to see ‘Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates’ call Showcase on 01242 224144, or visit www.promenadeproductions.co.uk