A THEATRE group in Cumbria have been welcomed back to the stage with their much anticipated Christmas pantomime.

Eden Valley Players put on their production of Robin Hood at Lazonby Village Hall earlier this month, much to the delight on their fans.

The group has proved popular with musical and theatre goers and many couldn't wait for this Christmas treat, after many shows were cancelled due to the pandemic.

We spoke to pantomime manager Marina Wright, here's what she had to say.

Ms Wright said: "The show went fantastic and it was very well received, both Friday and Saturday evening were sold out and the matinee was sold out. Despite the Covid announcements we were able to adhere to the safety restrictions and it all went well."

In total there were around twenty nine crew members involved in the performance, both acting and backstage. For some of the actors, in particular the child stars, this was their first time on stage but we were informed that they took to it very well.

The leading role of Robin Hood was played by a female actress who was described as being excellent and very suited to the role.

Before the pantomime began an announcement was made to the audience that Eden Valley Players were finally back. To which the crowd erupted into applause and cheer.

The theatre group are now planning for their next big performance which will take place in 2022. This time on the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend.

It is still uncertain what show the group will be performing but .... informed us that they are hoping to host a production of Cinderella, which has proved a crowd favourite in the past.

Ms Wright added: "We'd just like to thank the community for their attendance and support and we were absolutely over the moon with the response. The cast did brilliantly for such a young and in some ways inexperienced team of performers.

To find out more information about Eden Valley Players please visit their social media page on: https://www.facebook.com/EdenValleyPlayers.