CHRISTMAS is an added complication for a band of thespians from Ripon.

For, as well as planning for the festive season, the cast and crew of this year's Ripon Charity Pantomime are having to find time to rehearse for a show.

The 25th production is Cinderella, in a version of the fairytale which differs slightly in that the mice have been given a rest.

However, there are the requisite number of ugly sisters, a dashing prince and a fairy godmother, with the script adapted to tickle the fancy of a local audience.

"Cinderella gets to see her sisters in all their glory and finds out just how she is getting to the ball. If you know the story then you might think pumpkins, but for this production, things are little more modern,'' said group chairman Pat McLennan.

The show will be staged at the Ripon Leisure Centre, Dallamires Lane, from Wednesday, January 7, until Saturday, January 10. Evening performances begin at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee planned at 2pm.

Tickets will be £6 for adults and £4 for concessions.

Published: 06/12/2003