A Bury youth theatre group are getting ready to put on another fun-filled show for pantomime lovers.

The Young People of St John with St Mark are coming together once again at the end of the month to perform their next panto, Babes in the Wood.

They will tread the boards at St John with St Mark Church Hall on Parkinson Street in Bury on Thursday, January, 26 at 7.15pm, Friday, January 27 at 7.30pm, and Saturday, January 28 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

The historic group have performed the annual panto in front of audiences since the 1960s and are still going strong.

There will be a total of 34 performers from Bury along with more than 30 volunteers who help with rehearsals, lighting and sound, costumes and backstage.

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The cast dedicate a total of 219 hours of their own time rehearsing to make this happen so they can bring some much-needed laughter and fun to the audience.

Volunteer Leanne Keane said audience members are guaranteed "a great time".

She said: “They’re going to have a great time, it’s really funny and uplifting.

“Times have been quite difficult for people at the moment so I think it will make people feel happy and uplifted but it will really support the young people and encourage them to carry on doing it, as it’s been going for so long.

“There’s really good audience participation in it as well, and a great Dame.

“People will just come and have so much fun and great time and feel part of the community.”

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The youngsters who will be on stage are all aged between four and 18 and love working together to make the show happen and see the reaction from the audience.

Debbie Cooper, who is leading the production, has been writing and producing the annual shows since 2006. 

Debbie performed with the group through the 70s and 80s along with others who are still part of the team of volunteers.

Many of those who performed with the group now have children who have followed in their footsteps by performing themselves over the years.

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Tickets are priced £3 upwards and can be purchased by emailing stjohnwithstmarkpanto@gmail.com, calling 0161 761 6592 or texting/calling 07907 725129.

If you are a community group/organisation or a charity, discounts are available.