One of the city's longest-running amateur theatre companies are busy preparing for their next production.
The popular Exeter Police & Hospital Players will be back at the Barnfield Theatre from January 28 to February 1, with Babes in the Wood.
And, as well as providing a great evening's entertainment, the show will also be raising funds for the Lord Mayors Charity ELF.
The plot follows the story of The Sheriff of Exeter and his bid to get hold of the inheritance of his niece and nephew – Jack and Jill. Other characters to enjoy are his two idiot helpers Sam and Dan, Robin Hood and his Merry Men, Nanny the Nurse and Maid Marion.
Director Sylvia Costigan said it is a great traditional pantomime full of fun. Gary Dennis is the co-producer.
"It is a real family show and there will be loads of songs to join in and clap along to – including one from Frozen," said Sylvia. "There will also be the usual slapstick moments and we have some new young talent in the cast.
"Last year dancers from the June Bealey School of Dancing joined the show and we are really pleased that some of them have joined the company and have taken on roles in this production."
This will be the theatre company's 27th show. It was set up in 1987 purely to perform an annual pantomime for charity. In those days, membership was just open to members of the police force, who would put on pantomimes in Heavitree Road Police Station.
Hospital employees were then invited to join and the company became the Police and Hospital Players, with performances being moved from Heavitree Road Police Station to the Barnfield Theatre.
Now the company invites anyone interested in acting to join them, so they can continue to put on performances every year. At the moment they have 31 members but are always looking for more. Sylvia has been a member for many years and it is a real family affair.
Her son has performed in some of the shows and her mum has been making all the costumes for many years.
"Every year my mum says this will be the last time she is doing it but she just enjoys it too much to stop," said Sylvia.
"It is a great group to be a part of and though it is quite a commitment to put on a show every year – it is really good fun.
"We started writing this show in March last year and then rehearsals started from September. We rehearse every Sunday and the week before the show."
Each year the group raises funds for charity and this year they have chosen the Lord Mayor's charity Elf. Mayor Percy Prowse is a retired policeman and has appeared in some of the pantomimes in the past.
"We choose a different local charity every year," said Sylvia. "And over the years we have raised thousands of pounds for good causes."
During the interval there will be a raffle, with all funds going to Elf. Sylvia is still looking for local companies to donate prizes and sponsor the programme.
"We are really keen to be able to raise as much as we can, so we really need people to come along and support us.
"The show will be great entertainment for all the family as well as helping a really good cause."
Anyone who can help with raffle prizes should contact Sylvia Costigan on 01392 661498. Ticket details for Babes in the Wood on www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk or call 01392 270891.
If you are interested in joining the players email Sylvia at sylviacostigan@blueyonder.co.uk
