by Alan Quick

THIS month the highly-regarded Whitestone Players present the pantomime "Sleeping Beauty", by Alan Frayn, in Whitestone Village Hall, from Tuesday, February 6 to Saturday, February 10.

With colourful costumes, fine acting, dancing, singing and more, excellent family entertainment is assured for all those who go along to watch.

There is an hilarious script for this well-known fairy tale and this will be the 51st pantomime the Players have presented, the first in 1967.

All the usual characters are included. The wicked Bad Witch Hazel is determined to ruin the day, but is foiled by Good Fairy Lilac and Prince Alexis.

Princess Rose is looked after in the castle by Nurse Dottie Dettol and Muddles the palace handyman.

Bad Witch Hazel puts a spell upon the Princess Rose as a parting gift for not being invited to the christening, stating that she will prick her finger and die before her 16th birthday.

Audiences are asked to cheer on the forces of good, enjoy the mischief and mayhem, fun and laughter.

The children’s chorus/dancers have been working incredibly hard to learn their parts and dance routines and are excited to be taking to the stage.

The talented cast includes: King Cactus - Bruan Durrant, Queen Marigold - Sue Doggett, Princess Rose - Beth Farnfield and Julia Sanchez, Nurse Dottie Dettol - Peter Hanson, Muddles - George Jones, Prince Alexis - Seren Williams and David Phillips.

Fetch - Judith Read, Carrie - Victoria Mallender, The Good Fairy Lilac - Charlotte Lovell, The Bad Witch Hazel - Edith Nield, Chorus - Eric Jones and Finlay McGuinness.

The Rainbow Fairies - Isla McGuinness, Chloe Hawker, Chloe Williams and Skye Knee.

Dancers - Chloe Collins-Evans, Chloe Hawker, Lottie Hawker, Mia Hawker, Gemma Hurley, Hannah Hurley, Skye Knee, Liberty Netherway and Chloe Williams.

There is a large supporting cast and backstage crew.

Producer is Laurance Blade and direction is by Gemma Prouse.

Musicians are Dave Lee and Liz Watkins and children’s choreography is by Nikki Collins, Sophie Collins-Evans and Bexs Collins. Make-up is by Esther Robinson and Bianca Stubbs. Wardrobe is by Pam Lee, Sandy Oxford and Carole Jones and children’s costumes are by Chris Piper and Jenny Bridewell.

Profits from this year’s pantomime go to two charities, Dravet Syndrome UK and CEDA.

Dravet Syndrome UK is an independent UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Dravet syndrome through support, education and medical research.

The charity was founded in October 2008 and registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales in January 2009. It was founded by parents looking for support and information about treatments and research, all of which was sadly lacking in the UK at that time. Since the charity was founded the membership has risen from just 30 families to almost 400.

CEDA is a registered charity, based in a purpose adapted building on the outskirts of Exeter providing support services to disabled people with a focus on independence and empowerment. It was set up in 1988 by a group of parents who wanted positive futures for their adult children, once they had left school. In 2000 the charity expanded and began working with children too. It prides itself on responding to service users needs and finding imaginative and creative ways to work with disabled people.

Performances are at 7.30pm Tuesday to Saturday and there is also a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday.

Tickets are selling fast and prices for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are £5 for adults and £2.50 for under 14s.

Ticket prices for Friday and Saturday performances are £6 for adults and £3 for under 14s.

Ticket bookings can be made on 07977 439419 or 01647 61723. Alternatively, email: [email protected] or via "Facebook" at Facebook.com/whitestonepanto .

For the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday performances there is a buy four, get one free offer on tickets.