Nearly 100 people have been involved in the production of Sidmouth's annual family pantomime.

The popular production has been a regular fixture at the Manor Pavilion Theatre since 1978, and this year will see Hansel and Gretel performed.

Brought to the community by Sidmouth Amateur Dramatic Society, it brings festive cheer.

Last year's pantomime, Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates, won the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) award for the best small pantomime in the South West.

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The director, Marc Colson, and his team have reunited for another show this year.

Mr Colson said: "It's a great partnership and the staff at the theatre work hard to help us put this production together.

"We can't wait to welcome audiences this year and I can promise it's full of the usual traditional elements with a few surprises thrown in... Oh yes it is!"

The work on this year's production began in April, with nearly 100 people involved in rehearsals, set building, prop making and costume designing.

The pantomime will feature talented young performers from East Devon Dance Academy and Elite Dancers, led by choreographer Lucie Welsman-Manvell.

They are expected to bring a lively energy to the show, as they did last year.

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Musical director Emily Miller will be working with a youthful band again this year to provide a dynamic and exciting soundtrack.

Opportunities for young people to participate in the production are a key element of the organisers' ethos.

Mr Colson fondly remembers his first pantomime at the Manor Pavilion Theatre in 1982.

He recalls the excitement of his first performance, 'treading the boards'.

For many in the community, the pantomime serves as their earliest theatre memory.

It continues to attract new audiences to the theatre and encourages participation in the arts.

Tickets for Hansel and Gretel are selling fast and can be purchased on the Manor Pavilion Theatre website or through the box office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 2.30pm.

The box office can be contacted on 01395 514413.