THE cast of a Mother Goose pantomime started rehearsals this week with more than 15,000 tickets already sold.

Sales are up 3,000 on this time last year, at the Customs House, South Shields, according to the show's writer, director and co-star Ray Spencer.

Mr Spencer, who is also director of the Customs House and children's entertainer Tommy The Trumpeter, said: "We know have to be even better than last year, so the cast is picked to ensure they fit the characters perfectly.

"I'd urge anyone intending to come along to book tickets immediately. Last year, lots of people left it too late and were very disappointed, which is something I hate to see both as the director of the Customs House and a pantomime performer."

Despite extending the panto run for an extra week this year, some shows are sold out and Ray is expecting a big rush now that the pantomime season is approaching.

The cast also comprises: Dale Meeks as Mephisto, Neil Armstrong (Vomit), Graeme Kinniburgh (Hugh), Donald McBride (Mayor Mare), Victoria Hawkins (Claire Mare), Jackie Fielding (Queen of Gooseland), Lucy Wood (Goose), plus Cobbles the customs house bear and the panto's every-present comic Bob Stott as Dame Dotty.

Mother Goose runs from Thursday, December 5, to Wednesday, January 11. Tickets cost from £6. For details, call 0191-454 1234.