THE ever-popular Thurrock Courts Players’ next production takes place in two weeks...but this time, things are different.

The group is staging its own twist on the traditional pantomime, bringing together the best and boldest characters.

Written and directed by Courts member Trevor Povey, Witch Way to Coz is a mixed-up pantomime-forgrown- ups, bringing you all the fun and frivolity of traditional panto with a large pinch of adult humour.

The story follows Jack Beansprout as he travels in search of the Wonderful Lizard of Coz, seeking the courage to face the Evil Edna Twanky.

Along the yellow brick road, he meets the Genie of the Lamp, two halves of a pantomime horse, a big bad wolf and many more mixed-up characters.

Jack and his friends have to face their demons and, just like in any pantomime, triumph over evil. But this time, there’s a little more innuendo along the way.

A group spokesman said: “We love to be able to produce our own original works. Trevor’s clever writing has proved itself hugely successful in the past, and with his rewrite of a famous Mary Poppins song for this show he has surpassed himself.

“Think panto is just for kids at Christmas? Oh No It Isn’t!”

Witch Way to Coz is at the Thameside Theatre, in Grays, between Thursday, October 9, and Saturday, October 11, starting at 7.45pm.

Tickets start at £8 and are available at the theatre box office by calling 0845 3005264.