Peter Pan flying into Shrewsbury for this year's panto

Theatre Severn has confirmed the new show, which opens on December 1 and will star panto legend Brad Fitt as Smee.

It will be written and produced by Shropshire native Paul Hendy of Evolution Productions, and organisers are optimistic that the town will be able to enjoy a "magical" panto season again.

Peter Pan tells the tale of the boy who could fly and who never grows up.

Cast announcements for Peter, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell and others are expected later in the year.

David Jack, theatre services manager said, “The recent Roadmap announcement has given us plenty of optimism for the year ahead and we can’t wait to share a magical panto season with everyone again.

"We’ve been so grateful for the understanding and support we have received from our audiences following last year’s postponement. Peter Pan will feature everything you’ve come to know and love about Theatre Severn pantomimes, and more!

“All existing tickets remain valid and will be transferred to the same performance date and time, to ensure that ticketholders retain their favourite seats. If you have tickets and wish to check or discuss your booking, please don’t hesitate to contact our Box Office team on 01743 281281 or via email to mail@theatresevern.co.uk”

Paul added "It’s been such a difficult year for everyone that, by Christmas, I’m sure everybody will be ready to have a really good time and I promise exactly that, with the most spectacular pantomime of them all, Peter Pan!"

Theatre Severn confirmed that despite last year’s postponement, more than 20,000 tickets for this year’s pantomime have been carried over or snapped up by audiences already.

The show will run until Sunday, January 2. Tickets are available from the Box Office (01743 281281) or online www.theatresevern.co.uk