A LONG-AWAITED panto production is heading to town to bring a touch of magic next month.

The Brantham Amateur Theatrical Society will be staging Alice in Wonderland between February 23 and 26 at Brantham Village Hall.

The show is an adapted version written and directed by Tom Hitchcock and co-directed by Mark Hinson, which will include routines choreographed by Frankie Swan.

Starring many local faces from Brantham, Manningtree and surrounding villages, the panto will be all about dancing and singing with actors aged 9 to 70.

Natalie Dwan will hit the stage as the menacing Queen, while regular John Hoskyns will play the Caterpillar puffing on his hubbly bubbly pipe offering words of wisdom.

Teresa Fraser, who is publicity officer at the society, added: "Every cast member adds their own unique energy to the show.

"We are very fortunate to have many skills amongst our group from set building, costume and prop making to sound and lighting."

Mr Hitchcock added:“The audience are likely to expect a Tea Party like no other - Curiouser and Curiouser they will become as they delve into Wonderland where the evil Queen of Hearts reigns.”

For tickets visit batsonline.co.uk or Chloes Café in Acacia Court in Brantham.