THE cast of a new theatre's first pantomime were saved from performing in makeshift costumes after an eleventh hour donation.

Theatre Cap-a-Pie's youth company performed Beauty and the Beast at £1m The Store arts and community centre, in Dipton, near Stanley, last weekend.

But the group, of two professional actors and six youngsters, nearly had to take to the stage without proper costumes until bread manufacturer Warbutons came to the rescue, with a £500 donation that enabled the company to hire professional costumes.

Suzanne Robson, theatre and programme manager for Cap-a-Pie, said: "The donation made a huge difference."

Published: 21/12/2004