CHERITON Fitzpaine Drama Group is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a fun-filled pantomime.

The group has been putting on a traditional pantomime since 1975.

After a break last year, this year’s show “Rapunzel” by Ben Crocker will feature songs, jokes, dancing, audience participation and in a departure from tradition, the dame will be played by a woman (the role is usually played by a male actor in drag).

Sarah Steele, who has been a member of Cheriton Fitzpaine Drama Group for two decades, will play Brunhilde “Hilda” Blunderberg. She was inspired to take on the role after seeing another female dame a few years ago.

“As we're celebrating 50 years of panto in Cheriton Fitzpaine, we wanted to mark the occasion by doing something special to make the production really memorable,” Director Vicky Lancelles said.

“It’s really exciting to bend the rules. Sarah is a very funny, talented performer and her version of Hilda is extremely cheeky, so the audience members had better watch out!

“After all, girls just wanna have fun!”

The show will be presented on Thursday, February 20, Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22 at Cheriton Fitzpaine Parish Hall.

Doors open at 6.30pm each night. The audience will be able to enjoy a drink from the fully licensed bar before the curtain goes up at 7.30pm.

There will also be a raffle at the performances.

Tickets cost £6 for adults and £4 for children under the age of 15.

You can buy tickets for the show online by visiting: ticketsource.co.uk/cheriton-fitzpaine-drama-group, or in person from Cheriton Fitzpaine Community Shop and the Green House in Crediton.

You can find Cheriton Fitzpaine Parish Hall off the High Street in the village at postcode EX17 4BB.