REHEARSALS are under way at Helmsley Arts Centre for this year's 1812 Pantomime - Snow White - which opens with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday December 3, the first of ten performances.

Directed by Em Whitfield Brooks, this traditional family pantomime, telling one of the greatest fairy tales ever, is full of comedy, songs, dances and of course, audience participation to entertain all the family.

Starring talented local performers of all ages, the show features members of the adult 1812 Theatre Company, as well as Youth Theatre stalwarts and children from the youngest group, the 1812 Tykes.

Em said: "Altogether we have 49 performers involved, with the youngest children appearing in alternate shows, and we're also delighted to be working with six young people who are working backstage as crew and technicians as part of a work experience programme funded by Ryedale District Council. "This team is led by the Arts Centre's Technical Manager Steve Woolmer, who is giving them a great opportunity to work to a professional standard on the show."

With a cast featuring Sophie Brown, who teaches at Ryedale School, as Snow White, and Natasha Jones, Arts Centre Programmer and professional singer, as the Wicked Queen, there are also some surprises in this version of this traditional tale. "

Em said: "We're taking a new approach to the dwarfs, but audiences won't be disappointed. We're all having a lot of fun in rehearsals, and top-class family entertainment is guaranteed. Why go further afield?"

The pantomime opens on Saturday 3 December, which is Small Business Saturday, when the Helmsley will be celebrating five hours of festive fun as part of the town's Festival of Angels.

Tickets are £15 for adults, £7.50 for Under 16s and a family ticket is £40. To book phone Helmsley Arts Centre Box Office on 01439 771700 or go online at helmsleyarts.co.uk