A newcomer to the annual Ilkley Upstagers pantomime will make his debut in this year’s production, Red Riding Hood.

Andy Dobson will join local schoolchildren and recognised Upstagers principal performers on stage at the King’s Hall later this month, playing Simple Simon.

Andy is an experienced and versatile performer, and although Red Riding Hood will be his first Upstagers pantomime, it will also be his third show with the Upstagers.

He previously played Julian Marsh in 42nd Street and Hysterium in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum.

Previous roles for other societies have included Riff in West Side Story, Jesus in Godspell, Geoffrey in Stepping Out and Bobby in Company.

In between these roles, Andy co-runs and directs the Follow Spot Theatre Company, which specialise in farces and comedies, with previous performances including Privates On Parade, Dad’s Army, Allo’ Allo’, and the world amateur stage premiere of Blackadder Goes Forth.

He said: “Though it is my first panto for a long time, it’s great to see the get up and go, and the energy the children and dancers put into their work. I wish I had half their energy.”

Red Riding Hood promises to be a pantomime full of high energy dance routines, great music including numbers such as Kids In America, No Business Like Show Business and Lets Hear It For The Boy and an abundance of comedy from Andy Dobson.

To book tickets call (01943) 607944, or the booking office will be open from January 21, between 11am and 1pm at the Upstagers'’s Barn. The show runs from January 27 to February 4 including weekend matinees.