Hansel and Gretel take to the stage this half-term in Bolton

The Victoria Hall is staging the classic children's story over half-term with panto tickets priced at just £5 (plus a booking fee).

In the story Hansel and Gretel find themselves lost in the depths of the forbidden woods while looking for their father.

Little do they know the wicked old witch is looking for her next tasty victim.

Hansel and Gretel along with the help of the Sugar Plum Fairy need to defeat the witch and break the curse which transformed their father into a Gingerbread man ­— or will the same fate await the siblings.

Byron Witchell

The production is produced by Carl Marsden and Joseph Purdy for Charming Entertainment and has been written and directed by Troy Harris and Choreographed by Liv Robinson.

Bolton favourite Byron Witchell (Chester) will play Hansel and he’ll be joined by Alex Rea playing Gretel.

Joining them is Sarah Bailey as the Witch, Emily Simpson as the Sugar plum Fairy, Todd Dudley as Father and Gingerbread man and the ensemble is made up of Liv Robinson and Cerys Williams.

Carl said: "We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing professional, affordable, family entertainment to Bolton during the October half term holidays. Hansel & Gretel is the start of a season of theatre we have planned at The Victoria Hall as we will also be staging Cinderella over the festive period. Offering quality and affordable family theatre to the families of Bolton is at the heart of our business and we can’t wait to see all our loyal audience members over the coming months."

Byron, Bolton panto regular, said: "I can’t begin to describe how excited I am to once again be gracing the stage at The Victoria Hall this October half term. It is an absolute joy to be bringing the fun of theatre to the people of Bolton, this time as the cheeky chap ‘Hansel’. We want you to come and join us to see if we can escape the evil clutches of the Wicked Witch."

The play runs from October 21 to November 4.