THE chairwoman of a local theatre has been rushed off her feet taking calls from supporters demanding tickets to see this season’s panto.

Connie Jensen of Wigton’s John Peel Theatre was there for the first-night excitement on Monday, with the last showings taking place this weekend.

Pirates of the Curry Bean was written and directed by the theatre’s very own 72-year-old Liz Bell.

Connie Jensen said: “Tickets for all performances of the panto have now sold out, with the exception of a few tickets for the Saturday evening and Sunday matinee performance.

“The auditorium has been packed with excited wide-eyed children, licked ice creams, and music, colour and energy from the stage.

“The theatre has been ringing with shouts of ‘Oh no it isn’t’, ‘It’s behind you!’ and ‘Didn’t, didn’t didn’t’.”

The latest instalment in the theatre’s annual panto productions, Pirates of the Curry Bean is a story of good overcoming evil, and of love triumphing.

It soon turns out that the dastardly pirates actually have hearts of gold, with the story following the trend of traditional pantos with all things turning out happy in the end.

Writing on the script began back in July, with rehearsals starting in September.

The cast consists of Catherynn Dunstan as the Captain, villain Joe King, John Martin as the hilarious dame, Ms MT Potts, Maxine Noble as Medusa, the snake-haired sea witch, and Alison Lewis as Stephen Seagull, which adds another level of magic and comedy to the story.

Last month, the cast were re-enacting scenes from the panto at Silloth’s new pirate-themed play area on the green. John Peel’s panto cast, as always, ranges from experienced actors, to members who only joined the group in September.

A favourite of the performance so far has been the use of the dance Baby Shark, which has really got children - and even adults - moving.

The only remaining tickets - for Saturday at 7pm or Sunday at 2pm - are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/wigtontheatre.

Alternatively, you can call 07977 835094. Or, visit Easton’s in Wigton.