Panto players join shoppers ahead of debut at new venue

Cast members of Pennine Panto Players appearing in full costume at the Rochdale Exchange shopping centre to promote their latest production

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Cast members of Pennine Panto Players appeared in full costume at the Rochdale Exchange shopping centre today (Saturday 9 February) to promote their latest production.

The Players, formerly Rochdale Infirmary Players, will be performing Jack and the Beanstalk at Kingsway Park High School, Balderstone on 21-23 February.

Now in their 32nd year, they put on an annual production to raise money for hospital services and charities.

“It started off 32 years ago raising money for a piece of hospital equipment for a young lad,” group member Kelly Fenton explained.

“We do it so that any wards or local charity places that need to save up for something can do. It makes it easier to find that money.

“We have people come forward with who they think should be supported. Everyone chooses between us. We tend to give about £500-£1,000.”

Those set to benefit this year are the North West Blood Bikes, Children’s A&E Oldham and Derian House Children’s Hospice

This year is the first year the group have performed in Balderstone due to refurbishment work at their usual home, Falinge Park High School.

A new director is also in place and with several new cast members in place too Kelly believes the panto is set to be a big success.

“We have got a new director this year…it’s going to be a fantastic show,” she said.

“[Kingsway Park] have a similar set-up and stage and it is more or less the same luckily for us.

“We have quite a few regulars who have attended in the past so we are hoping they do not go to the wrong place this year!

For those interested in joining the Pennine Players, Kelly said the group is always on the look-out for new members.

“If people want to join, we do the annual pantomime and we hold murder mystery nights during the year to raise money because we have got to fund the panto,” she said.

Pennine Panto Players present their annual charity pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk at Kingsway Park High School (Balderstone), Queen Victoria Street, Rochdale, OL11 2HJ. 21 February 2013-23 February 2013 7:30pm and Saturday mat 2.00pm. Tickets for this year’s production are priced at £10 for adults and £7 for senior citizens/children.

For more information and contact details click here: http://rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/24187/events-in-rochdale/jack-and-the-beanstalk