Bewdley's St George's Hall to stage controversial panto

The Civic in Stourport previously pulled the plug on performances of Bewdley and the Beast: The Revenge of the Gilgal following an "unprecedented" number of complaints following a show in December 2023.

The venue offered refunds to audience members, with some branding the show as "crude," "cringeworthy" and "awful."

Director Paul Smith of the Bewdley Town Criers group said the cast was "gutted" by its cancellation and said there were technical issues on the evening.

The panto was previously cancelled (Image: Paul Smith)

Mr Smith said he immediately looked for an alternative venue for the panto, which he has likened to the Carry On films and the popular Play That Goes Wrong.

The group are now delighted that St George's Hall in Bewdley will be hosting performances of the play in Easter.

Mr Smith told the Shuttle: "What happened in December was a disaster.

"The level of scrutiny and comments that came on the day that we were cancelled was uncalled for.

"I think we were always going to restage it, even on the day it was cancelled.

"We had a show we worked very hard on and that we are proud of".

Whilst there have been "a few tweaks" to the script, he said he stands by the play which he says "isn't vulgar."

The company will stage a performance on Friday, April 5, and two shows on Saturday, April 6.

Bewdley Town Criers will once again be performing the panto (Image: Paul Smith)

People can purchase tickets via We Got Tickets.

Mr Smith added: "We encourage people to come along and see what all the fuss is about and make their own minds up.

"It's fun, it's a bit like a Carry On film. It doesn't have any overt swearing - there's no nudity.

"It's just a lot of fun really - for grown-ups".

"Rehearsals have already started".

Bewdley Town Criers are also raising money for SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association).