HARDEN Players are making history next month.

For the first time in its 42-year existence, the group is performing the traditional pantomime Mother Goose.

And there is a writing and directing debut for local author Lisa Firth, who joined Harden Players last year for their production of Treasure Island.

Mother Goose is a classic tale of a poor woman who dreams of being beautiful, and her magical pet goose Priscilla, who can lay golden eggs.

The audience is promised a pantomime full of "excitement, humour and adventure", with a cast of colourful characters including the greedy Squire Tightwad, Fairies Sunshine, Starlight and Trevor, three foolish bailiffs and the Demon of Discontent.

Veteran performer Nick Parker will don a variety of frocks in his first outing as the dame, Kathryn Sullivan plays Silly Billy, Sarah Murdoch – known in the past for her principal boys and girls – takes on the role of the Demon of Discontent, and Vicky Foster is Priscilla the goose.

"We are thrilled to bring Mother Goose to life on stage," says Lisa.

"It has been an exciting journey bringing this classic tale to the stage with the help of the talented Harden Players.

"With humour, heart and a little bit of magic, this pantomime is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

"The cast for 2023 includes both seasoned and new Players, not to mention a children’s chorus aged from five to 12, creating a performance brimming with energy and laughter."

She adds: "Harden Players have a record of putting on high-quality productions, and Mother Goose is no exception. With its mix of comedy, music and dance, this pantomime is the perfect family outing – oh yes it is!

"Tickets are selling fast, so don't miss your chance to see this magical performance!"

Mother Goose takes place at Harden Congregational Church from March 9-11 and 16-18.

Evening performances are at 7.30pm and there are 2pm matinees on March 11 and 18.

All tickets are priced £6 and can be obtained from Harden Post Office and online at hardenplayers.org.uk/tickets.

For further information about the production and Harden Players, visit hardenplayers.org.uk or email hardenplayers@hotmail.co.uk. The group can also be found on Facebook, at facebook.com/hardenplayers.

In addition to its spring pantomimes, which run for eight performances, the group also stages an autumn play in October.

Rehearsals for productions normally begin around four months in advance of the performance dates.