Malton first pulled up the panto curtain in 1949, when it fielded a company of nearly 100 for Dick Whittington.

Clearly the interest has not waned because, 60 years on, the numbers are exactly the same in its diamond jubilee show, Robinson Crusoe And The Pirates.

The latest production from Malton and Norton Musical Theatre – the former Amateur Operatic Society – opens today for an eight-day run of ten performances in the Milton Rooms, Malton, where nearly 60 children and teenagers will be part of a cast of more than 70.

“That’s more youngsters in a single Malton panto than many can remember,” says publicist Tom Todd. “It’s probably fair to say that one or two of them might end up on stages nationwide because not a few of the young stars in more than 20 John Coates panto productions across the years have done just that.”

Written by Alan P Frayne, the panto is directed by 24-year-old company chairman Gemma Williams, surely one of the youngest directors on the circuit. “This is shaping up into a spectacular show, one of which the society can be proud” she says.

Ryedale comic Mark Poole, the star of dozens of Malton pantos, plays Nutty Nick, teaming up again with a Carmen Miranda-style Rory Queen, who is establishing himself as a worthy successor to the legendary Fred Bower as Malton’s dame.

Comedy veteran Ian Goring is bumbling Captain, Annie Sutton is Robinson and dancer Hayley Milner is principal girl Juanita. An intellectual Man Friday will be played by Adam Hymas.

Opposing them will be a crew of villains headed by veterans Andrew Foxton as Cut Throat and David Hinde as Davy Jones, egged on by Neil Sutton as Skull Duggery, Bethany Fox as Cross Bones, Becky Paylor as Mumbo Jumbo and Neil Paylor as Hocus Pocus. The young Henry Petch and Martha Gosnold play Poll on alternate nights and Paula Cooke’s Spirit somehow will be keeping them all in check.

“Add the junior and senior dancing skills and choreography of Malton’s Kirkham Henry Performing Arts and the enthusiastic chorus of young and adult pirates and sailors, and the result is the kind of magic that has bringing the house down in Malton for years. Don’t miss it,” urges Tom.

• Robinson Crusoe And The Pirates runs from tonight until January 24 at 7.15pm, except Sunday, in the Milton Rooms Malton. Matinees are at 2.15pm tomorrow and next Saturday. Tickets: £8.50, £6.50, on sale at Malton Tourist Information Office.

• MALTON and Norton Musical Theatre is planning to revive and revitalise the “Malton Sound” on stage. From February 3, members will meet on Tuesdays at 7.30pm in the Parish Rooms, Spital Street, Malton under the baton of musical show director and singing teacher Chris Holmes, “on a regular singing and social basis, to fill the musical gap between each pantomime”. For details, phone 01653 600521.