AN award-winning youth pantomime society will be returning to a new venue in January with the much-loved story of Peter Pan.

Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society (CHYPS) was formed in 2007 and usually performs a pantomime in January every year – but this was put on hold during the pandemic.

“We’re so pleased to be back after the terrible time everyone has had over the last eighteen months,” said chairman Ian Hunt.

“CHYPS had outgrown its previous venue, so we’re delighted to announce that Peter Pan will be performed right in the middle of Wilmslow at the Evans Theatre, Wilmslow Leisure Centre.”

CHYPS is a youth organisation, with cast members ranging from eleven to 18, directed by Sally Hunt.

She said: "I can’t tell you how pleased we are to be able to re-start CHYPS and get all our amazing youngsters back on stage.

"CHYPS provides such a fantastic opportunity for teenagers to develop their skills.

"Missing a year because of the pandemic has been really hard for them, but they have bounced back and we are really enjoying rehearsals.

"Peter Pan is such a classic story that everyone knows and doing it in panto form is just great fun.

"We have all the classic aspects of panto – a dame, a silly double act, corny jokes, comedy slapstick and a ‘behind you’ scene.

"The cast just love it and we know the audience will too."

Sally added: "We were so pleased that our 2020 pantomime Aladdin was nominated for Best Pantomime and awarded Best Youth Theatre Production by the Greater Manchester Drama Federation.

"It’s a testament to the talent and also hard work of our young cast to be given such a prestigious accolade.

Musical director Ian Jones said: "I love working with CHYPS.

"The cast have such a vast amount of energy, and it really comes through in the many songs in the show."

Peter Pan will be performed at The Evans Theatre (Wilmslow Leisure Centre) from January 5-8, including a matinee on Saturday, January 8.

Tickets went on sale on October 4 and can be purchased online through the CHYPS website at chypspanto.com.