THE panto season has arrived in South Cumbria, and a popular fixture of the festive season is the annual Christmas production from Grange Amateur Operatic Society's youth theatre group.

This December they are staging arguably the most famous of all pantomimes, the fairytale classic Cinderella.

A huge cast of 44 children aged seven to 16 are in final preparations ahead of the three-day run, which gets under way on Friday December 9, at 7.30pm, at the Victoria Hall in Grange.

There will then be two matinee performances on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11, both at 2.30pm.

The scenery, staging and magical transformation of the pumpkin to coach is the amazing centre-piece of the show, with costumier Hilary Stubbs and set designer Helen Lawler working their magic.
James Mason and Tom Kidd as the Ugly Sisters

Cinderella is played by Molly Cowley, who also played the title role in the society's spring show, Annie, and she meets her Prince Charming, played by Jessica Walmsley.

Fairy godmother Faye Hill, and the talented duo of James Mason and Tom Kidd as the ugly sisters, are also among the key roles to watch out for. The wicked baroness, Amy Shepherd, with the baron, played by Jackson Taylor-Smith, make a formidable duo that are made fun of by the comedy foursome, Reece Carter, Emily-Kate Unsworth, Max Burrow and Tate Johnston as the brokers men.

An up-and-coming member of the cast is Tom Shepherd, in the role of Buttons, whose comedy character provides the laughs alongside the more dignified roles of Dandini (Martha Rand) and the Chamberlain (Izzie Shires).

Lewis Sharpe and Jake Wilson become Hagan the horse and the "scary" ghost is Euan Adams.

With a pantomime horse, ghost sequence, slapstick and plenty of audience participation, it should be the latest in a long line of memorable performances from the acclaimed society.

Tickets are available from Grange Information Centre, on 015395 34026.