IT'S almost time for a popular Vale of Clwyd performing group to return to the stage - oh yes it is!

After two years without a performance, Ruthin Panto Society is looking forward to being back on stage in February. 

Covid-19 has certainly hit a lot of theatre groups hard and Ruthin Panto Society was no exception.

However, the society is back and busy rehearsing for its production of Snow White and The Seven Dwarves.

While things have been tricky over the past couple of years, the society has been able to continue with projects.

With various lockdowns, fire breaks and restrictions limiting their ability to rehearse and put on shows live on stage, the society resorted to online meetings and making videos that were recorded individually and then montaged together.

This resulted in several online films being released to coincide with what would have been previous years’ Christmas markets and summer carnivals, as well as their own cancelled performances.

READ MORE: Ruthin Carnival attracts the crowds on its return

Another film of Christmas carols at Ruthin Castle was also released on Christmas Eve to continue what has become a much-loved and well-supported tradition in Ruthin.

Now that the restrictions have been lifted, they were able to perform live at the Ruthin Carnival last June and both Christmas markets in 2022.

Society members also sang Christmas carols and songs live at Ruthin Castle again on Christmas Eve.

For Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, rehearsals with previous and new cast members have been ongoing since September, learning some of the songs and dances for the show as well as appearances at the markets and Ruthin Castle.

The script has once again been written by Polly Snape, who plays to the strengths of the cast, which includes the panto society’s choreographer Hanna Medi Roberts as Snow White this year.

Many of the old favourites will be returning to the stage, including Gavyn Pendrey-Edwards as Aunty Gertie, Dave Snape as Billy and Emma Parry finally getting her wish to play the evil Queen Evilena.

Performances will be at Theatr John Ambrose on February 23, 24 and 25 at 7.30pm.

There will also be a matinee show at 2.30pm on Saturday, February 25.

Tickets are on sale online via the Ruthin Panto Society website at www.ruthinpanto.co.uk and they are also available at Siop Nain, on Well Street, The Park Place, on Mwrog Street and Tafarn Y Plu, on Well Street.

Ruthin Panto Society has decided to keep tickets at their pre-pandemic prices.

They cost £6 for adults and £4 for children.