CHARD Amateur Theatre Society (CATS) are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of pantomime in the town this week with their production of Beauty and the Beast.

Fifty years ago the News reported on Chard Theatrical Society’s first pantomime – four performances were given at what was then known as the Corn Exchange.

This week, at the site now more commonly known as the Guildhall, Beauty and the Beast will be performed on Thursday at 7.30pm, on Friday at 7.30pm and on Saturday at 3pm and 7pm.

First-time director and producer Lorraine Marshall is hoping plenty of people will turn up to cheer on the heroes and boo the villains.

Lorraine, speaking as preparations were in full swing last week, said: “We are hectic as ever but we are all looking forward to it. We’d like as many people as possible from Chard to get down to the Guildhall and support us.”

It is the second time the group has performed Beauty and the Beast, with the previous production in 1996. The panto was a popular choice for the group to mark the anniversary.

Lorraine added: “I wanted it to be something that was nice and special this year – I thought I’d like to have a go at it this year because it is my first one as director-producer.”

Tickets cost between £7 and £8 for adults, with £5 concessions for those aged under 14 and over 60. Tickets are available from Barrons on Holyrood Street.

For more information contact 01460-65062.

Cast List: Beauty - Laura Hawes; The Beast - Grant Davies; The Prince - Mandy Cameron-Taylor; Silly Milly - Luke Marshall; Square Paul - Simon Mason; Boffy Barbara - Angie Davies; Glossy Gloria - Debbie Hilton; Mr Bod - Steve Warwick; Jasper - Will Stephenson; Raggedy Rachel - Jeanne Sterland; Enchantress of the White Rose - Jenny Kenton; Judy the Cat - Pheobe Spicer; Champion the Horse - Jacacia Totterdell and Carlie Baker.