IT sounded oh so simple at first - put on a silly outfit and lark about for an hour or so.

However, being a pantomime star was more complicated than that.

We were invited by the Arc in Stockton to find out what it was like being a pantomime cow for its production of Babes in the Wood.

Our first problem was the costume and the practicalities of getting into it.

There were a few arguments about who was best-suited as the back end, but we finally decided that being taller, Hayley would be better to shoulder the head.

The costume, worn over our normal clothes, was obviously made for bigger people than us.

The trousers were far too wide, and we could have done with braces to keep them up.

The papier-mache head was jammed on and then sweating profusely, we strutted our stuff.

Moving without falling over and breaking a leg was the biggest challenge we faced - even though broken bones are meant to be good luck in theatrical circles!

Shuffling forward, we faced the problem of moving without losing our trousers and we could not imagine how full-time actors managed to "milk" the applause with a dance routine while dressed as a bovine.

The best thing about the costume was that nobody knew who we were, so we could act the clown without getting embarrassed.

The worst thing was not being able to have our regular gossipy chats while stuck in a furry costume. But at least we proved we are an immaculate team who can work together, and are definitely game for a laugh.

l Tickets to see the real cast of Babes in the Wood, which is at the Arc until Saturday, can be booked by calling (01642) 666600.