HEROES and villains graced Witney once again as a pantomime returned to the town after five years away.
Witney Dramatic Society's portrayal of Jack and the Beanstalk saw hundreds of people flock to the High Street Methodist Church across five shows last week.
Despite boasting a cast and crew of just 30 people, the group of amateurs generated several laughs, boos and jeers - and even the occasional 'he's behind you' - as it staged its first pantomime since 2014.
The show was a triumph of determination for the society, which struggled to find a stage fit for a pantomime when it left the Corn Exchange in 2011.
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Since moving to the Methodist Church it has focused on small-scale productions, but Margaret Hamm, who played villain Fleshcreep, said the group was right to bring the pantomime back.
The Witney resident added: “We wouldn’t have anywhere to go if we didn’t have the Methodist Church.
“The society really had to persevere but it was definitely worth it.
“A lot of people told us the show was brilliant and that’s what it’s all about.”
After shows on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, two performances on Saturday were watched by more than 100 people combined.
Abingdon and Witney College students Tom Hicks and Jodie Douglas, both 17, were the stars of the show as Jack and Jill.
The performance was rooted in Witney, with musical director Tom Fletcher-Manuel a former student at The Henry Box School.
Ms Hamm admitted the society was struggling to attract younger members, but revealed plans were in place for another pantomime next year.
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