A BATTLE to regain the Enchanted Story Book from the evil clutches of Maleficent and rescue Princess Rapunzel, is also the opportunity to enjoy everyone’s favourite fairy stories rolled into one, at this year’s 60th production by Witley Pantomime Company.

Keen to celebrate a landmark year in style, the company has enrolled a host of larger than life characters from many different tales into ‘Once Upon a Panto’, which opens next week at the Chichester Hall.

The curtain rises in Witley, at 7.30pm on Wednesday, January 25, and 6.30pm next Thursday, with shows at 7.30pm on January 27 and 28, and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Turning the clock back, the company is not only giving leading lights a new twist, but also reviving some of the most spectacular stage costumes in its long running history.

Dale Barrell, who joined in 2003, is not only writer and director but also plays Widow Twankey.

He said: “The company is still flourishing 60 years on, with 45 members. It’s the 28th production for Donna Carpenter, who plays the Evil Henchman, and our percussionist John Sherington has been with the company for 35 years.”

• To book tickets call 07853 048084 or go online www.witleypanto.co.uk