PEOPLE can expect a night full of comedy, music and magic as a pantomime is set to start this month in Bicester.

Tickets are now on sale for Launton Village Players' pantomime taking place from February 23 to 26.

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The group will perform Dick Whittington at the Cooper School and have an original script full of comedy, music, magic and audience participation.

Musical director Steve Webber has written the music, including songs called 'I Didn’t Do It' and 'It Must Be Magic' and is joined by three band members; Sarah Turner, Simon Turner and John Nelson.

The story follows the fortunes of Dick Whittington as he ventures forth to find wealth and happiness with his loyal cat Magic.

Producer Celia Evans, wife of Martin Evans who is the show writer, said: "After two years away and lockdowns and restrictions due to the pandemic, it is wonderful to be back and performing another pantomime which has been written by Martin Evans and adapted and directed by Julia West.

"We all need the chance to work with other people and to sit back and be entertained. That is certainly what Launton Village Payers is all about.

"During rehearsals and planning we have had much fun, as well as working hard, and we do hope that you too, will enjoy and have fun during our performance of Dick Whittington."

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Launton Village Players plan to keep its cast, crew and audiences as safe as they can and so there will be a host of Covid safety measures in place for the shows.

Guests must bring along proof of their Covid-19 pass, or an email or text confirming a negative lateral flow test result from the day they are attending the performance.

They will also be asked to wear face coverings throughout the performance and there will be hand sanitiser available and enhanced cleaning will take place between shows.

People are encouraged to use cashless payment methods and the performance hall will be well-ventilated.

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The Thursday morning show will be sold at half capacity and every other row of seats will be left empty to give audience members a bit more space.

Launton Village Players is hoping that after expenses they will have some profits to give to other charities and good causes including Horton General Hospital Children’s Ward; Friends of Launton Parish Hall; Medical Detection Dogs; Bicester Baby Bank; The Samaritans; The Blue Cross; Cystic Fibrosis Trust; and Somerville Foundation.

For more information and to book your tickets, go to launtonvillageplayers.org.uk or ticketsource.co.uk/lvp.

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