Panto group scoop top award

A COMMUNITY drama group set up in 2011 with hardly any acting experience is celebrating after scooping a top award.
The first year was a steep learning curve for Antrobus Players, but their pantomime Ali Baba was an amazing success, a sell out at each performance.
The group went from strength to strength and In 2013 their production of Cinderella gaining four nominations, 3 for individual awards from the Association of Community Theatres (ACT) winning the Community Theatre Spotlight Award for the ‘Most Creative Pantomime’ in the whole of the northwest!
They were up against companies with large theatres so they were amazed when they heard the result.
Sian Bowen from Appleton, who played Cinders, was also nominated for an individual award by the ACT, but was pipped to the post. Meanwhile the panto horse known as Dora involved two very talented dancers, Megan Alley and Hayley Blamphin, who managed to steal the show, with a hilarious performance.
Each year the whole village gets involved, with many people cutting out material, sewing or just threading elastic in the 100 or so costumes. Teams of people build sets or paint them, yet more helpers transform the village hall into a magical theatre. Those involved range in age from 8 to 84.
The group is now busy rehearsing for their next production – Aladdin, a traditional family pantomime, which will be performed in Antrobus Village Hall on January 24, 25 at 7.30pm and 26 at 2.30pm.
Ticket order forms can be obtained by telephoning 01606 891379 and cost £7.50 adult, £5.00 Children and £22.00 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children.