There are many challenges undertaken when putting on a show but missing one half of a pantomime cow was quite a dilemma for a mum and daughter directing duo.

Social media came to the rescue in the shape of Facebook, and the cow now has both ends in tact and ready for a starring role in Jack and The Beanstalk.

Lynda Wright has been a staunch member of the Purton Amateur Dramatic Society for a number of years, but this is her debut as director, alongside her daughter Caroline Nadin, who previously has been the make-up artist.

Thee village panto is often a family affair and Purton is no different with Lynda's three daughters all being involved at various times and Caroline's own children, Holly, Tom and Casper.

Lindsey Hall from PADS said: "Caroline is a teacher and has had children in mind as she has adapted the script to make it more fun and quirky!''

The cast have been rehearsing since October and building the imaginative set every Sunday in January.

Lindsy said: "It has been a challenge, building the giant’s kitchen, and indeed the giant himself, especially his movements (there is a twist at the end but I won't give anything away!) The beanstalk also has to grow from small beans, be climbed by everybody, and then get chopped down again (four times in total) – let’s hope: It will be all right on the night!”

Jack is played by Kate New, a long standing member of PADS with his love interest performed by Leanne Hawkins. The witch is Celia Binfield and the fairy is Margaret Cremin. The Dame is a newcomer, local artist Alex Crump, who also helped the group with the artwork for advertising and programmes.

Lindsey said: "We have had a lot of members throughout the forty years, some staying long-term, others drifting in and out. We now have keen youngsters joining us old stalwarts.''

PADS was set up in 1974 and Lindsey says that many of those original actors are still in the village and give the current crop of thespians their support by attending the shows. The first show was an Old Time Music Hall and the first panto was Dick Turpin. Over the years the society has tackled 37 pantomimes, revues and murder nights.

The story of Jack and the Beanstalk is traditional yet with a Purton twist.

"The kingdom is in trouble! Giant Blunderbore and his partner in crime, the evil witch, Poison Ivy, are blackmailing the royal family, forcing them to pay protection money or else the giant will gobble them up! All that stands between the royals and the giant’s dinner plate is a collection of unreliable misfits!

Hopefully Fairy Beansprout can help them,'' said Lindsey.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs from January 31 to February 2 at Purton Village Hall from 7,30pm with a matinee on the Saturday from 2.30pm. For more details visit https://www.facebook.com/PurtonPADS/ - Flicky Harrison