PREPARE to be entertained as the festive season arrives at Darwen’s Library Theatre.

This year audiences young and old alike will be enchanted by the tale of Pinocchio, being brought to life by East Lancashire’s own ‘Mr Panto’ producer George Critchley.

This year marks George’s 20th season at the Darwen Library Theatre and the show reflects this achievement.

“Pinocchio was the first show we did at Christmas here,” he said, “and when we were going through the options of what to put on this year, it just felt right to do it again.”

Although there are many elements of traditional pantomime in the show George and his young cast are very keen to make this a full theatrical production.

“I’m a storyteller at heart,” he said. “With Pinocchio we get the chance to present a great story with some very clear messages. So although there will be audience participation, a baddie in the form of Fox DJ and some great comic characters, there is so much besides.”

Based on the classic story of the wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a little boy but whose nose gets longer when he tells a lie, Pinocchio will be played by Sophie Binks.

“I am so excited to be doing this,” she said. “This is my first professional role since leaving drama college and I couldn’t have had a better start.

“It’s great being Pinocchio because I can be a little bit cheeky and get up to mischief. Let’s face it, who doesn’t want to be a kid again, occasionally.”

Library Theatre audiences will recognise two actors returning from last year’s panto Jack and the Beanstalk. Byron Sunnucks will play Geppetto and Rosie Kimble, Fairy Blue.

“We got such a great reception last year,” said Byron. “The audiences in Darwen were so friendly. I’m so glad I’ve got the chance to come back again.”

Pinocchio, Darwen Library Theatre, until Christmas Eve. Details from www.darwenlibrarytheatre.com