The St Stephen Pantomime Company will perform the classic story of Hansel and Gretel as its 2024 pantomime, from this Sunday until Saturday, February 3, at the village community centre.  

This is the company’s 77th annual production, and it has high standards to live up to — last year’s production of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood went down a storm at the 2023 Cornwall Drama Association (CDA) awards, nominated in seven categories and taking home the prestigious best pantomime trophy.  

Cast regulars include Nicola Willcocks, in the part of evil mother Hildegard, CDA-nominated Paul Johnson as down-trodden father Fritz and fellow CDA-nominee Chris Gray as Gypsy Queen Peggy Pumpernickel — not a new age so much as an old-age traveller. 

Newcomer by Noah Richards and former chorus member Scarlett Freckleton inhabit the roles of Hansel and Gretel respectively.  

All are ably supported by real-life sisters-in-law — Sarah Jones as Bluebell, the Fairy of the Forest; and Laura Lemasurier as the wicked Witch Nightshade, who sells the children deeply suspect gingerbread.  

The ‘traditional village pantomime` promises loads of fun and slapstick along the way, with Teresa Sweet in the role of Wally, Peggy Pumpernickel’s son. 

Tickets cost for £7 adults and £4 children, available daily from Linda Ford — call 01726 824248 after 4pm.