CULLINGWORTH Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS) has presented the popular panto Sleeping Beauty.

Heading up the cast was David Harper as dame 'Nurse Penny Cillin', Alana Wharton as the princess and Carter Roberts as the prince.

Producer and director Richard Fairlie has been involved with CADS since he was a child.

This was his seventh time as producer, and he was keen to continue the village panto tradition.

He says: "It’s always organised chaos – but is so much fun and in true panto style, very noisy!

"That was particularly true this year, with a chorus of 20 local children."

Pupils from Parkside School in Cullingworth and several primary schools were amongst those taking part in the production, whose cast ranged in age from seven to people over 70.

Several semi-professional actors who have appeared in TV programmes including Ackley Bridge and Benidorm, and theatre productions, were also in the line up.

Young members of Mind the Gap, a learning disability performance company, joined the cast and crew too, and volunteers including students from Bradford College worked backstage and on props.

CADS said the pantomime couldn’t take place without the support of local businesses. The crew was supported by a professional team from Simply Better Events, with sound and lighting equipment supplied by the Universal Group, both based in Keighley. Hair and make-up was looked after by Hair Flair, of Cullingworth.

The panto is held at the village hall, which was built in 2019. It is home to Latalia’s cafe and Cullingworth Pre-school, which also support the event.

Richard says: "The pantomime is a fantastic event every year that offers so many opportunities to the local community. We welcome not just those interested in acting, singing and dancing, but also people who have an interest in choreography, costume design, music and lighting. And we are always looking for new members to join our gang. So if you're wanting to take up a new hobby, meet new people or learn a new skill, then why not join us?"

There is a £10 per year charge for children and £15 for adults to cover insurance, but all other costs are met through ticket sales and fundraisers.

Rehearsals start in December and the show takes place over three nights during the February half-term holidays.

Over the years, CADS has missed performing just one show, which was due to the pandemic.

For further information about the group, email cullingworthamdram@gmail.com.