Pantomime season returns to Lancashire marking the Preston Musical Comedy Society's 100th production

It's a century of productions for Preston's premier musical comedy troup '“ who this week are officially opening for pantomime season.
Aarran Simpson as Simple Simon with ButtercupAarran Simpson as Simple Simon with Buttercup
Aarran Simpson as Simple Simon with Buttercup

The Preston Musical Comedy Society (PMCS) opens its 100th production tomorrow (Friday), bringing family favourite Jack and the Beanstalk to the Preston Playhouse threatre for the next two weeks.

The society was formed in 1953 for its first show The Desert Song, which was performed at the since demolished Royal Hippodrome in Friargate a year later.

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Chairman of the PMCS, Ruth Carter, said: “All our members are enthusiastic about all the shows we do but we always get a bit more excited for our annual panto.

Aarran Simpson as Simple Simon with ButtercupAarran Simpson as Simple Simon with Buttercup
Aarran Simpson as Simple Simon with Buttercup

“It’s no mean feat for people who are studying, who work full-time and who have other major commitments, to spend their spare time rehearsing, producing and all the other jobs that go on behind the scenes, to bring a production of this scale together.

“But everyone does it because they have a real passion for the theatre and we pride ourselves on making that evident to our audiences.

“We’re confident we have a wonderful panto production in Jack and the Beanstalk and we can’t wait to welcome audiences to the Playhouse in the run up to Christmas.”

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A total of 13 shows are being run from tomorrow to Saturday, December 22, and members are urging Lancastrians to come along and support the performances.

Katy Makinson as Jill Crumble,  Chloe Haley as Jack Trott and Ciaran Harkin as Dame Tilly TrottKaty Makinson as Jill Crumble,  Chloe Haley as Jack Trott and Ciaran Harkin as Dame Tilly Trott
Katy Makinson as Jill Crumble, Chloe Haley as Jack Trott and Ciaran Harkin as Dame Tilly Trott

The pantomime comes after major restoration work has come to the Playhouse's entrance and main foyer, including the re-facing of the theatre frontage and new exterior and interior entrance doors.

The job, costing £70,000, was given a £40,000 cash boost after it secured a grant from the Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants.