A PANTOMIME has been saved from the axe after performers found a new venue.

Stone Little Theatre has been staging a pantomime since the group was founded in 1979.

However, the future of the annual event looked bleak when the usual venue, Bibby Sports and Social Club, in Stone, closed last year.

But members of the group have now found a new venue next to the club, at Walton Priory Middle School, and are looking forward to presenting their 30th pantomime in front of audiences in February.

Chris Bell, group chairman and one of its founders, said: "We're pleased to have found somewhere new. Some of our members are getting on a bit now and we wanted to leave a legacy for our younger members and keep the theatre alive.

"We looked at a lot of venues, but nowhere else was really suitable.

"We didn't want to have to put anything on that was less spectacular than usual, nor did we want to go outside the town."

The group started up at Bibby Sports and Social Club, Tilling Drive, as a way of providing entertainment for employees of the Corning factory, later glass-makers Quickfit and Quartz.

It staged more than 50 productions there until March, when the club closed due to falling membership.

Stone Little Theatre still keeps some of its stages there, but has moved to a new base at Stone Cricket Club, Lichfield Road.

The group is using the cricket club as a place to rehearse, but cannot hold the pantomime there, because it is not big enough.

Mr Bell, aged 49, of Caernarvon Avenue, Stone, who runs his own marketing and promotions company, said: "The school will be great for us. The facilities are excellent and the hall is almost identical in size to the Bibby club.

"The school is keen to build a relationship with the community, so this could work for both of us."

The pantomime will run in February half term and is a version of Aladdin, penned by local author Alan Frayn. It will involve 25 cast members, with another 20 people working behind the scenes.

David Smith, another founder member, plays a Chinese policeman in the production.

The 60-year-old charity manager, of Bury Bank, Stone, said: "Over the years, we have been so used to having the same venue to perform in that this is a very different experience for us.

"In some ways it is quite daunting, but in others it is quite exciting.

"It is a traditional pantomime, a good script and very funny. We are having great fun in rehearsals."

If things go well, a new theatre company could be set up at the school.

In the meantime, Stone Little Theatre is looking for sponsors for the production of Aladdin.

Mr Bell said: "While it is good we have got a new venue, we still only have a limited amount of money.

"To put on a production of this scale costs upwards of £5,000. If anyone could help we would be most grateful."

The pantomime will run from Wednesday to Saturday, February 17 to 20, with matinee performances on the Friday and Saturday. Ticket information will be released later.

Anyone who may be able to help out is asked to call Mr Bell on 01785 816444.