A boar which terrorised medieval Bradford – and the story of the beast’s pursuit to its death – is the inspiration behind a pantomime with a difference.

The myth of how the boar’s head first appeared on the city’s crest will be brought to life in The Beast of Broad Ford, a show to be staged by Harden Players this month.

Writer and director Haydn Cavanagh said the idea behind the play came from a discussion with friends about the ancient story.

He said: “We were talking about how the boar on the Bradford coat of arms lost its tongue, when a huntsman killed the boar and took its tongue as proof so he could collect a reward.

“We said it was such a good story that it would make a pantomime.

“The research was quite easy, because it is all there in City Hall for anyone to read.

“We are now rehearsing like mad, trying to get ready for its opening.”

Characters such as the Lord and Lady Mayoress – known as Lord and Lady Titus – and their daughter Idle Jill appear in the panto, alongside evil Norman landowner, Ilbert De Lacy and Jack, the principal boy.

The score features songs such as The Battle of Baildon Bridge, a traditional Bradford revived by Mr Cavanagh and We’re All Down In t’ Coiloil, which tells the tale of Bradford’s poor who hid from the taxman in Barnsley’s coal pits.

Mr Cavanagh said: “It is a bit of a better story than your usual panto and we hope a lot of people come to see it.”

Performance dates are on February 25, 26 and 27 and March 4, 5 and 6 at 7.30pm with two 2pm Saturday matinees. Tickets are available from Harden Post Office.