FEBRUARY half-term is almost upon us and once again four local villages are planning to present their annual pantomimes.

The good folk of Oakworth, Cullingworth, Glusburn and Harden will set out to get families laughing and singing along.

Oakworth Methodist Church is this year giving eight performances of Sinbad The Sailor with a cast entirely of children and young people, from February 18 to 25.

Also with all-child cast will be in Beauty And The Beast, presented by Glusburn Youth Theatre for six performances from February 19 to 25.

Harden Players are presenting Hansel and Gretel with eight performances from February 16 to 18 and February 23 to 25.

The revitalised Cullingworth theatre group CADS will perform Puss In Boots, described as a “purrrfect panto to really sink your claws into”, for three performances from February 23 to 25.

All four pantomimes will feature weekend matinee performances.

This week we are showcasing some of the dozens of children limbering up to perform Sinbad The Sailor in Oakworth.

Village youngsters, originally under the auspices of the church’s Sunday School, have for a round three decades performed hugely-popular pantomimes.

The show regularly sells out – in fact all three of this year’s matinees are already full – and people are urged to act quickly to ensure they get seats for the evening performances.

David Howarth, from the production team, said the costumes, scenery and special effects would be as wonderful as ever, including the renowned ultra-violet scene and a rich tropical forest in Paradise Valley.

David said: “When the evil magician, Vazar, spirits away Princess Yasmin from the palace of her father the Sultan of Baghdad, Sinbad sails from Old Baghdad.

“Overcoming numerous obstacles, including Black Hook and his band of swashbuckling pirates and being special offer of the week at the Zalabar slave auction, Sinbad wins Princess Yasmin’s hand in marriage.

“Along the way, we meet citizens of Baghdad, magic pixies, sailors, pirates, belly dancers, islanders, exotic birds and valley dwellers.

“You are encouraged to join in some marvellous comedy routines and laugh at the antics of a cheeky monkey called Monty!

“You can boo yourselves hoarse when Black Hook, Vazar or Barracuda, the Witch of the Sea, are around.”

Evening performances are on February 18, 20, 21, 22, 24 and 25. Visit oakworth methodists.org or call Janet Armstrong on 01535 642625 to book tickets.

Hansel and Gretel will be at Harden Congregational Church on February 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 at 7.30pm, and February 18 and 25 at 2pm. Buy tickets from Harden Post Office.

Beauty and And The Beast is at Glusburn Institute on February 19 at 3pm, February 21, 23 and 24 at 7pm, and February 25 at 2pm and 7pm. Call 01535 633988 or visit Aire Valley Kitchens and Bathrooms, Cross Hills, to buy tickets.

Puss in Boots is at Cullingworth Village Hall on February 23 and 24 at 1pm and February 25 at 6.30pm. Visit camdrama.com or visit Hair Flair, Halifax Road, Cullingworth, to buy tickets.