Swordplay and shivering timbers, it’s time for Chipperfield Theatre Group’s annual pantomime and steering the trusty ship for Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates is founder member Wendy Marchant.

“We started the group about 18 or 19 years ago to raise money for a school hall at the local primary, St Paul’s Chipperfield,“ recalls Wendy. “We always do a panto around Christmas and include all the schoolchildren, even if they’re not dance or theatre trained.“

Wendy went to stage school in West London before moving to Chipperfield when she got married. Her children Jack, 24, and Danielle, 28, have both performed with the theatre group and, having studied A level drama and spent several years training with Boxmoor Dance Academy, Danielle is now helping out with the choreography.

“It’s taken quite some time to choreograph the sword fights to make it exciting without everyone waving swords around at the same time,“ says Wendy, “not to mention getting the adults to learn a few basic steps.“

Alice Phillips (Robinson Crusoe) and her brother Luke (Man Friday) have also risen through the ranks, as has the group’s young chairman, James East. He is the son of Wendy East, with whom he alternates on staging the pantos. The group has now been successful enough to afford its own lighting system as well as being able to regularly provide funds for local charities.

This year’s production promises lots of laughs with a script by Alan Frayn who has penned more than 100 shows and previously put on productions at Alton Towers.

The cast includes 16 children aged from seven-14 as the band of marauding pirates and 14 adults. The show boasts colourful characters such as Dame-Margareta Jucilita, her daft son Nutty Nick and their puppet dog See More Bones. Then there’s Captain Seasalt and his daughter Juanita, not forgetting the baddie Cut-throat and his comedy sidekicks, Crossbones and Sculduggery.

The action begins in balmy Brazil where our hero, Robinson Crusoe, is restless for adventure.

“He’s a young man who wants to do well in life and he goes off to seek his fortune. Naturally there are baddies involved and there’s an underwater scene. It’s a traditional panto but with modern music and an up-to-date staging and script.“

The show is at Chipperfield Village Hall, The Common, Chipperfield from Thursday, January 19 to Saturday, January 21. Details: 07873 840445, www.chipperfieldtheatregroup.com