Radcliffe North and Ainsworth residents are expected to see one of their councillors in a new role for 2023...and it isn't what you would expect! 

After a producer fell short of an actor, Cllr Jo Lancaster made the unexpected decision to fill the role in a February production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. 

Jo, who will be playing Baby Bear, spotted the advert on Facebook and signed up for the local not-for-profit production. 

Producer, Mark Daniel, said: "I'm so excited to welcome Jo to our cast given her role in bringing us to Ainsworth in the first place.  

“We rehearse for a week leading up to the show hitting the stage so a really short rehearsal run, and then we're onstage for six performances" 

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Mark has been running, pantomimes since 2001 and first met Jo after she helped Mark Daniel Productions find a venue for their 2022 panto.  

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He said: "Jo sent me photos and information regarding Ainsworth Methodist Hall, a venue I wasn't familiar with, and we decided to make the move.  

“Our February 2022 show was a complete sellout and we were made so welcome by the Church and local community so we're really excited to be back in February for Goldilocks" 

As many families from Radcliffe North, Bradley Fold and Ainsworth made the trip to watch the last show, Mark says he is excited for the 2023 panto.  

The not-for-profit pantos help raise money for local Churches and have previously raised money for various local charities. 

As a non-profit production Mark says the cast and crew are “like a family” and that everyone involved “does it for fun”. 

The Mark Daniel Productions version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is set in a circus, with nasty Sir Basil and his accomplice trying to close down the show. 

The show runs from February 1, to February 5, 2023.