THE Wesley Players started the run of its 61st annual panto on the weekend and have dedicated it to a stalwart of the Cinderford-based group.

There are a total of six performances of Sleeping Beauty this month at the Miners’ Welfare Hall in Cinderford.

Producer Lynn Teague said: “This year’s production is dedicated to the memory of Elsie Olivey who was one of the founder members of the Wesley Players and who made many of the costumes we still use today.

“We use Elsie’s scripts as the starting point for our productions which are then adapted by me.” Mrs Olivey died last April aged 94.

The story of Sleeping Beauty has been updated to feature references to Star Wars and Strictly Come Dancing.

The show features Sita Claridge as Princess Briar Rose, a chorus of little policemen and fairies and even some ukelele playing.

It has been in rehearsal since October last year at the Forest Road Centre in Cinderford which allowed use of its premises free-of-charge.

The assistant producer is Louise Bullen, musical direction is by Christine Morgan and Lynn Teague and the prompt is Gillian Whitney.

This is Nigel Green’s last show as stage manager and anyone who would like to take over in that role is asked to contact Lynn Teague on 0793 9399 125.

Among a large cast are newcomers Kim and Chris Owston, Spencer Hill and Leanne Baldwin.

The show continues at the Miners’ Hall on Friday, January 15 and 22 and Saturday, January 16 and 23.

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.