It’s panto season at Carleton in South Craven this week.

The Village Theatre Group is staging a five-performance run of Calamity Jane – The Pantomime!

Producer, Steve Richardson, said: “This is our 18th year of writing and performing adaptations of traditional, well-known stories that we tailor to our own community.

“Some of our principal performers have grown up from being infants in our shows and the benefit these young people get from the self-confidence they gain is immeasurable.

“Nineteen adults and 20 children are supported by an army of volunteers, who have sewn, painted and built all the costumes, scenery and props during the past few months.”

The show began last night in the village hall, and runs until Saturday, with curtain up at 7.30pm.

Tickets are on sale at the Swan Inn, Carleton, priced £6 for adults and £4 for children.

Meanwhile, over at Addingham, Pantomime Group director, Eleanor Ellis, and musical director, Vickie Burns, took the drastic step of forcing the Dame – Paul Jennings – to lose his beard during rehearsals for this year’s production of Mother Goose.

Performances are at the Memorial Hall in Addingham tomorrow and Saturday, and the following week from Wednesday to Saturday.

Call 01943 831007 for further information.