IT’S a return to a traditional panto this year for Knutsford Little Theatre with Ben Crocker’s award winning version of the well known and beloved tale, Sleeping Beauty.

Directed by Tina Buckley and Sean Duvall, all the recognised characters are here: Princess Aurora and Prince Orlando, the four good fairies: Graceful, Beautiful, Thoughtful and, fortunately, Peaceful, who may just be able to save the day after the dreaded wicked fairy, Carabosse, does her worst with that dratted spindle.

Carabosse is accompanied by a very disreputable but sexy cat, appropriately named Spindleshanks, who sets up in opposition to Kitty, the pretty and loveable Palace Pusskins.

Knockabout action is provided by Billy, the put upon, Jack of all trades, Royal Butler, together with King Norbert and Queen Dorothy – eat your heart out Mary Berry when it comes to panto style baking.

The story is set in Woollycombe, the land of sheep and small businesses, very apt for our own rural town and this year we have some new faces – always welcome – alongside our regular actors and, of course, our talented juniors some of whom are taking major roles as well as providing the tuneful chorus.

New songs appear with some old favourites – the KLT panto cannot function without a rousing rendition of ‘all pull together’ - and with a tight script, with plenty of very corny jokes, will ensure a good time for all ages.

As always, all the elements of a successful production are here: colourful sets, great costumes, ingenious props – we even have a genuine spinning wheel kindly loaned by Val and David Bryant – delightful music and expert lighting and sound effects.

Sleeping Beauty runs Thursday, January 16t o Saturday, January 18 and Thursday, January 23 to Saturday, January 25, at 7pm.

On Saturday, January 18 and Saturday, January 25, there will be matinee performances at 2pm and on Sunday, January 19 a matinee at 11.30am and 3.30pm.

Tickets are £8 and may be reserved by calling 01565 633000 or using the ticket request form on knutsfordlittletheatre.com.