Adult panto to use election manifestos for costume

While politics has long been branded a farce by some, the makers of the island's adult Christmas pantomime are taking that one step further this year.

Members of Music Theatre Guernsey (MTG) are planning to make unusual use of all the manifesto booklets still in people's home after the recent elections.

They said they were hoping to gather about 200 copies before they end up in the recycling in order to fashion a dress for the dame in the upcoming 2025 production.

"We're going to be turning them into something fabulous," said MTG's creative director Darren Alderton.

He added that the troupe was putting on its own idiosyncratic take on the classic story of Pinocchio.

He said: "It's pretty much already written and we'll be holding auditions next weekend.

"Then, once we've picked our players, I'll give the script a bit of a rewrite - but you can guarantee it'll have lots of nods towards the recent elections.

"For example, when the dame is introduced she'll come on stage wearing a dress made from copies of the manifesto."

He added that the team had already managed to gather 100 of the booklets.

He said: "We're halfway there, so if anyone has any spare, please could they drop them down to St Saviour's Community Centre, where our door is always open.

"Failing that, let me know where you are and I'll come and pick them up from you personally."

Mr Alderton said that he found it funny how local attitudes had changed towards MTG's racy seasonal productions over time.

"A few years ago it felt like they were the most taboo thing on the island," he said.

"But, nowadays, they've become part of the tradition here. I think that's lovely."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].