Four groups are preparing to bring a pantomime to stage that will be judged by panto darling Christopher Biggins.
The Battle of the Pantos returns to the Gaiety Theatre for a second year tonight (Saturday).
TV celebrity Biggins, who was crowned King of the Jungle in I’m a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here, takes the role of head judge and will be taking questions from the audience.
Alison Lodge of Stage Struck Productions said: ‘All the groups have been rehearsing during the summer months and are ready to take on the challenge.
‘Performing on the Gaiety stage is a very different proposition from the local productions and it is going to be very interesting to see how each group adapt their pantomime for a 20-minute performance. ‘Having Christopher Biggins as head judge is a real coup for the Isle of Man.’
Hog The Limelight, directed by Norman McGregor Edwards, will perform Cinders, The True Story.
They have told the audience to expect ‘a rip-roaring, fantastic night of fun and silliness’.
Port St Mary Cabaret Party, directed by Sarah Smiley, is staging The Belle of Port St Mary.
A spokesman said: ‘We had such a fabulous time competing last year and we can’t wait to do it all again.’
They thanked organisers for pulling together the ‘showcase of local talent’.
Cinderella will be brought to the stage by Peel Pantoloons.
Director Mel Read said: ‘Peel Pantoloons have such a wonderfully talented cast and have all worked very hard. We had a massive success in December and are really pleased to be able to bring back the show for a second time.’
And last year’s winners, Marown Players, will perform Snow White and Seven Dwarfs, directed by Sonya Quayle.
A spokesman said: ‘We are so excited to be taking part in this very special evening.
‘To think our little community panto will get to be performed on the glorious Gaiety stage is so exciting!
‘We’re working extremely hard to make the most of this wonderful opportunity by putting on the very best show we possibly can.’
Joining Biggins as judges are four experienced actors and producers: broadcaster Paul Moulton, dance teacher Pippa Salter, Carl Parker of Parker & Snell Company and James Turpin of JT Productions.
Gary Chatel, a veteran of the theatre, will compere the evening once again ensuring everything runs smoothly and everyone enjoys the show.
The Battle of the Pantos, sponsored by Digitote, starts at 7.30pm (doors open 7pm).
Tickets priced from £14 with family tickets available. Book online at www.villagaiety.ticketsolve.com