A CAST of comedians have been banned from part of a theatre for being too funny.

Comedian Duncan Norvelle takes to the stage as Wishee Washee in the Billingham Forum's version of the pantomime.

He will be joined by actors Johnny Leeze, who was Ned Glover in Emmerdale, and Jonathan Owen, who has been in Heartbeat and Coronation Street.

Theatre manager Derek Cooper said advance ticket sales were fantastic and up on last year. The reason for that, he said, was easy to understand.

"We get bookings as early as the previous January before people know what the panto will be, because people know it will be quality and value for money. We try and stick to the traditional image of the pantomime and families love that.''

But Duncan, Johnny and Jonathan have been banned from the manager's office for making him laugh.

"They are absolutely hilarious,'' said Derek. "I have never laughed so much in my life as I have in the last two or three days. I have had to ban them from my office, so I can get on with my work.''

The show runs from December 10 until January 11. For tickets, call (01642) 552663.

Published: 08/12/2003