A BALLET dancing goose will light up the stage in Allendale this weekend.

Russian choreographer Galiya Farley is starring in Mother Goose -– which gets under way  on Thursday, February 4.

It’s the latest chapter in the illustrious history of the Allen Valley Drama Group, which has made the Allendale panto a must-see for the past 33 years.

And in typical fashion, the close-knit cast of 12 local personalities have tailored the classic fictional storyline to its Allen Valleys setting.

The group’s Margaret Stonehouse believes all of the ingredients are in place for another memorable pantomime.

She said: “It’s a smaller cast but everyone has put such a lot of work into it, and we’re all very exited about it.

“The Allendale panto has always been very popular, and we always do our best to make it extra special.

“We’ve never done Mother Goose before, so that means it’s completely fresh for us, and there are new roles for the cast members to play.”

Director Lee Falkingham, who oversaw last year’s successful performance of Aladdin , has once again masterminded the script.

Margaret said: “It has been localised, and I think that’s an important part of what we do.

“It’s generally a local audience and they are very much engaged with what happens on stage.

“We are very fortunate that Lee Falkingham has joined us, and Galiya Farley also makes a vital contribution.

“She is an exceptional ballet dancer and people attending the performances will see a ballet dancing goose.”

The role of Mother Goose goes to the drama group’s long serving pantomime dame, Nigel Baynes.

A veteran of countless stage performances, and an assured public speaker, Nigel is also the voice of other community events, such as the Allendale Fair.

His ability to deliver gags with aplomb, and even subtly tease the unsuspecting, will be put to the test in his latest role.

Margaret added: “The cast includes people of different ages, including children, and it always adds to the fun when you’ve got men playing the role of women, and vice-versa.

“The pantomime includes a mythical giraffe that lays golden eggs. We’ve had such a lot of fun and hope everyone enjoys watching this year’s pantomime.”

Mother Goose will take place at Allendale Village Hall tonight and tomorrow at 7.30pm; with a matinee also tomorrow at 2pm.

Saturday night is sold out. Tickets for the other performances are selling fast, at the village’s Co-op, and post office.