A LOCAL church is celebrating the 75th anniversary of pantomimes taking place within the parish hall with a new series of shows.

St John’s Church in Staincross attracts hundreds of visitors for what is considered their beloved pantomime season.

However, most won’t realise that the first of these shows took place nearly 75 years in January 1950, when members first decided to throw on a wig and put together a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Now, to mark the anniversary, the actors are putting together a special production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, which David Robinson - who jokingly describes his role as doing ‘all the rubbish jobs no-one else wants to’ - is very excited for.

He told the Chronicle: “A few years ago I decided to look through the Chronicle’s archives and find out when the first pantomime took place.

“There’s been a parish hall here since about 1920, but the first record of a pantomime I could find was 1950.

“So on social media we’re going to see if anyone has any relatives who were in that show and would like to come.

“It’s been some time so there might not be many left now.”

The performance won’t be held until February 15, but the team is already in the full swing of rehearsals.

“I, of course, am word perfect,” David joked.

“It’s always a great event - we’re usually pretty full and about 500 people come out to support us.

“There’s also 30 people who come up every Monday evening to help out - we get a lot of support from volunteers.”

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Pantomime Round-up

AS pantomime season begins once again actors across the borough are testing out their wigs and ironing their dresses for what promises to be a collection of great family nights out.

The classic fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk came to the stage of the Civic last week and will be running until December 28.

They will have competition however, as the Academy Theatre in Birdwell will be taking on the same show, with performances every night until the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the town centre’s Lamproom Theatre will be taking on a production of Sleeping Beauty that is set to run until January 4.

The Dearne Playhouse will be putting together a show of Snow White from December 19 to 22.

St John’s Church in Staincross are planning a special series of shows in February - Goldilocks and the Three Bears will take place on February 51, 21 and 22.