One of Winchester’s oldest amateur theatre groups is preparing to boldly go into the panto season. 

The Worthy Player’s latest production sees sci-fi meeting traditional panto in a show called “Panto Trek”.  Actors and backstage crew have been hard at work for months rehearsing and preparing the scenery, props and costumes.

The Christmas panto is not the only celebration for this enthusiastic group. Next year it marks its 50th birthday. The Worthy Players was established in 1973 and has since performed more than 130 shows including drama, comedy, variety and old time music hall. It’s staged a pantomime every year, although the 2020 show was online due to the pandemic.

Panto Trek has been written by two members of the Worthy Players, David and Alison Woolford, along with Nick and Mel Boatwright. The story revolves around the spaceship “Cut Price” which is forced to land on the planet Panto 9. The crew meet a variety of pantomime characters and are drawn into their challenges with the evil twin Emperors Ming and Ping.

READ MORE: Winchester Karate Club's unique fundraiser for Children in Need

The performances take place at the Jubilee Hall on December 2, 3, 9 and 10. Tickets for the evening and matinee shows are on sale on the website www.theworthyplayers.co.uk.

A number of special events are planned for 2023. 

These will include an exhibition with photos of previous shows, special performances and a party with present and past members. The Worthy Players would love to hear from anyone with a past association with the group. 

The team is also keen to welcome new members – whether that be budding actors, front of house, technical or support crew. The group meets at the Jubilee Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm. Members are all ages and come from the Worthy villages as well as further afield.  

Martin Pettigrew, the current group chair, said: “It is fantastic that the Players have come back so strong after Covid with Panto Trek the 4th staged production in 16 months.  We now hope more people will come forward to ensure this enthusiastic and talented group can continue to live long and prosper.”