THE stage is set for The Brunton’s new production of Hansel And Gretel, a traditional pantomime for all the family, this festive season.

The live production, written and directed by award-winning writer and theatre maker John Binnie, will run at the Musselburgh theatre from December 7 to 31.

John’s work is popular with Brunton audiences, with his 2018 Jack And The Beanstalk and Cinderella, the following year, both well received.

In 2020, he wrote and directed Rapunzel The Pantomime – a family film enjoyed by many schools and families who viewed it online during the festive period.

The Hansel And Gretel creative team includes set and costume designer Robin Mitchell, musical director Tommie Travers, and Amy Robinson as choreographer.

Auditions took place in September to recruit the talented young chorus, who will join the professional cast of a few familiar and well-loved faces.

Eilidh Weir plays Gretel, with Ross Donnachie as her wee brother Hansel.

Experienced panto dame Graham Crammond returns in the role of Dame Maisie Nature, with panto baddy Wendy Seager as Witch Wart-Nose.

This new production is billed as “a treat full of fun and laughter with oodles of gags, local references, chart hits, outrageous costumes and shouting out”.

Tickets are available from The Brunton on 0131 653 5245 or via thebrunton.co.uk