Magic of panto's back in town '“ for good

The Wonderful World Of Oz runs from December 15 to January 6 and is already looking certain to build on the rich success of last year's Beauty And The Beast, the town's first professional panto for a decade. Surrounded by the team who will be staging the trip down the yellow brick road, venue general manager Adam Cunard said he was delighted at the show coming up.

'I am very, very pleased that it has worked out again. We had such a good year last year, and this show is a lot bigger and better. The venue is very much suited to panto, and panto is clearly what people want,' he said. 'We had a reputation for panto here some years ago and there are a lot of people in Bognor who want to see it.

'We have sold out five performances already which is quite impressive, and we have got good take-up and interest from schools. It is looking very, very optimistic.

'I would like to think that we could do 80-90 per cent (attendance) this year. We did 60 per cent last year which for a first year is quite amazing. Pantomime is back for good. Lots of people are supporting the venue. We are getting the whole range of people. We are already talking about next year's dates and next year's titles.

'What is lovely is that pantomime brings the whole venue alive all day, every day. It's a really good feeling, a really great atmosphere.'

This year's show stars Kellie Potter as Dorothy, Bognor's very own Chelsie Padley, star of TV's Tracy Beaker, as the Good Witch, and Mike Pannell as The Wizard. Tickets on 01243 861010.