WILMSLOW’S Guild Players are gearing up to entertain audiences with a performance of their pantomime for 2016.

The renowned theatre group will perform Dracula – The Panto from Wednesday, December 14 to Saturday, December 17 at Wilmslow Guild, in Bourne Street.

All the hallmarks of a classic pantomime are expected in the performance, such as a dame, villain, plenty of bad jokes and a “behind you” scene.

The story is set in a small, idyllic village where Dame Rosie Glow, the proprietor of the Flying Mouse Inn, is struggling with everyday life as a mother of two.

Business is bad because people are disappearing at night, while someone strange and evil lives in the nearby castle, who is said to have pointy teeth and a werewolf for a butler.

When young Richard comes to the village to seek work, hopes are raised that he might be the one to free the people and bring back peace and happiness.

Anja Schiebeck, member of the Guild Players, is directing the pantomime.

“I picked this panto because it's got everything a classic panto should have, but with the additional potential of the villain being a vampire,” she said.

“It's definitely a challenge to put on but provides great opportunities for fun, humour and the odd scary moment.

“Our four young principals are doing an absolutely brilliant job with their parts. We are very proud of them.

“They are a great addition to our cast of experienced actors, some of whom have been with the Guild Players for years.”

Bill Beton, ticket secretary at Wilmslow Guild, added: “People love to come to our pantomime because unlike the big professional shows our theatre only holds eighty.

“This means the kids are really close to the action and they are always totally absorbed in the show.”

The shows start at 7.15pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £5 for children, and can be booked online at wgp.org.uk, by emailing tickets@wgp.org.uk, or by calling 01625 520126.