Launton Village Players put their own spin on fairytale classic

The amateur dramatic group of Launton, near Bicester, are gearing up for their 33rd pantomime this year based on an original script by Launton residents Rod and Nikki Fine.

Sleeping Beauty But Not That One! is an alternative take on the traditional story, but keeping all the ingredients of a traditional pantomime.

The show promises an ‘outrageous Dame’ alongside ‘a tender love story, lots of jokes, singing and dancing, and three princes who come a-wooing’.

Music is by Steve Webber, who is also musical director to the seven-piece band.

Launton Village Players publicity officer Robert Cornford said: “Last year our afternoon shows sold out early, so for 2019 we have added another afternoon performance.

“On the Thursday [February 21] there will be shows at 11am and again at 4pm. Then on Friday and Saturday [February 22 and 23], afternoon shows start at 2.30pm and evening shows at 7.30pm.

“The show is at Cooper School Performance Hall in Bicester. and tickets are £5 for children and £10 for adults, on sale at The Bull Inn in Launton and at Coles Books in Crown Walk, Bicester.”

The group hold a pantomime every February and this time have enlisted the help of Launton Playgroup to create stars which will transform the Cooper School foyer into a galaxy.

Fairy Godmother Vicky Denison visited the playgroup to see how the youngsters were getting on.

She said: “The children at the playgroup were working so hard to make our stars. We know we will have a beautifully-decorated foyer for the panto in February.

“We are so grateful to the playgroup children for all their work.”

Alongside the February pantomime, the Village Players also host a summer pantomime to raise money for local causes and have totted up almost £115,000 for local and national causes.

The group hope Sleeping Beauty but not that one will help raise another £5,000 for charity.

Tickets being sold at The Bull Inn in Launton and Coles Bookstore in Crown Walk, Bicester.