A THEATRE group will be continuing a community tradition by performing its 31st-ever pantomime.

The Somborne Players will be on stage at King’s Somborne Village Hall on Thursday, February 17 and Friday, February 18 to perform their third adaptation of Aladdin.

This year’s performance, following previous shows of Aladdin in 1991 and 2005, will be updated with references to technology and the area.

Chair Rebecca Rickard said the upcoming show is set to be most spectacular yet but still in keeping with the traditional story.

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She said: “The pantomime in King's Somborne has always been a great community tradition, involving many in the community of all ages.

“Whether a member of the cast, backstage, set designer, painter, costume maker, props maker, lighting and sound person, front of house, behind the scenes, makeup artist, prompt or any other role, everyone's job is key. The teamwork and rapport is fantastic and that is what comes across every year.”

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The group, which is now made up of 16 performers starting from age five, was founded in 1986 by Audrey Gannaway ahead of the first pantomime in 1988.

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Tickets cost £8.50 for adults and £4.50 for children, with proceeds helping to fund future events and running costs. Doors open at 7pm ahead of the 7.30pm shows. A matinee performance is also available on Saturday at 2.30pm. To book go to ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/kings-somborne/kings-somborne-village-hall/somborne-players2023-02-17/19:30/.

The Somborne Players are also preparing to relaunch the theatre club on March 23 in the Jubilee room of the village hall from 10.30am-midday. The group is welcoming budding actors, sound and lighting people, set designers, costume support, front of house, web designers, makeup artists and props people of all ages to come and get involved.