VILLAGERS will be taking to the stage for Steventon’s pantomime hoping to raise more than just laughs. The village’s biennial show has previously amassed thousands of pounds for the NSPCC charity — and the cast of this year’s offering, Beauty and the Beast, is aiming to do the same again. It tells the tale of a spurned woman who takes revenge on the man who jilted her by turning him into the Beast, but she doesn’t count on what Beauty and her friends can do to save him. One of the panto’s co-writers, Maggi Shellard, a member of the NSPCC committee, said: “The 2011 panto brought in over £4,000 for the charity, but we always try to keep ticket prices down so this year a family of four can come for £22. Refreshments and raffles help raise the money.” The show is being staged at Steventon village hall at 2.30pm on Sunday, February 3, at 7.30pm on Wednesday to Friday, February, 6 to 8, and at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, February 9. Tickets are available from the Old Farmhouse Bakery in Steventon or from Margaret Hall by calling 01235 834067 or email: asham07@yahoo.co.uk