An Ely venue will be transformed into a big top circus as the city's annual Christmas pantomime takes a "thrilling new direction".

The Maltings will once again be taken over by KD Theatre - but this year's production, setting the classic tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears in the world of a magical circus, is sure to be very different.

Offering festive fun for all ages, the cast recently gathered in Ely to officially launch the show, which will open on December 13 and run until January 5.

Daniel Bell, the producer of the Ely pantomime, said: "This will be our 12th year producing the professional pantomime in Ely.

"It's very special to Katherine and me, as The Maltings was our very first pantomime venue, and we've built the production from the ground up.

"Our first year in 2013 had 6,000 people, and last year, over 11,000 people saw Robin Hood with most shows sold out."

Returning to direct and star as the fabulous Dame Betty Barnum, Rob Stevens said: "We have a fantastic cast, including some circus performers. It’s going to be absolutely spectacular."

Joining Rob on stage will be Joey Warne as the energetic Silly Billy Barnum, Michael Loftus as the Evil Ringmaster, Hope Thompson in the title role as Goldilocks and the beloved three Bears, played by David McNair, Mollie Kate Angus, and Sarah Bluck.

Katherine Hickmott and Daniel Bell, founders of KD Theatre Productions, both grew up in Ely.

Although they now produce professional Christmas shows at eight venues across the UK, Ely holds a special place in their hearts.

Katherine said: "Ely holds such a special place for us; it's where we bring all our new pantos, and our audiences are so supportive.

"We have performers who started out in our pantomimes in Ely and are now performing in West End shows and across the UK.

"David, our Daddy Bear, has just finished the UK tour of ‘Everybody’s talking about Jamie’ so we are delighted he’s coming back this year."

The pantomime is sponsored by Cheffins.

Tickets via www.kdtheatre.co.uk or 01353 725 026.

(Image: KD Theatre Productions) (Image: KD Theatre Productions) (Image: KD Theatre Productions) (Image: KD Theatre Productions) (Image: KD Theatre Productions) (Image: KD Theatre Productions) (Image: KD Theatre Productions)