Last updated 19:28, Thursday, 27 November 2008

WORKINGTON Playgoers always turn up something special for the Christmas season, and this year's choice has a big appeal for children.

The Adventures of a Bear Called Paddington is described by director Pat Brinicombe as a musical with strong elements of pantomime.

It opens at the Theatre Royal on Wednesday, December 3, and closes on Sunday, December 7.

As well as the five evening performances, which will start at 7.30pm, there will be afternoon matinees at 2.30pm on the Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7.

The production, which will have piano accompaniment from Janet Whitehead, has been chosen partly to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publication of the Paddington book on which the play is based.

The play, written jointly by Michael Bond and Alfred Bradley, was last put on by the Playgoers at Christmas 1987.

A silent Paddington, played by Glynn Scurr (wearing a costume made by Pat Martin and Mary Lancaster and a head made by Lola Foster), will have his thoughts and deliberations relayed by narrator Ron Dickens.

Mr and Mrs Brown, who take Paddington into their care, will be played by Mike Savage and new cast member Joy Bowmer.

The Brown children, Jonathan and Judy, are being played by real life siblings Sam and Alyson Douglas.

Mr Curry is played by Brian Young, and antiques dealer Mr Gruber by Mike Hogarth.

Konrad Hansen plays Sir Archibald the surgeon and other parts.

Gillian Scholey, Michelle Watson and Ann Bowmer also take on more than one role.

For tickets, contact the box office on 01900 602122.