THE 1812 Theatre Company's pantomime, Snow White is appearing at the Helmsley Arts Centre this week.

Directed by Em Whitfield Brooks, this spectacular family panto has a different take on Snow White's seven friends from the traditional dwarfs of the original story.

"We don't know any real Dwarf actors, and the days of using children pretending to be dwarfs are definitely over," Em said.

"At the start of the project, our costume maker Steph Morris came up with the great idea of having all the Dwarfs as meerkats, and we've taken this a little further as rehearsals have progressed. "

Em added: "As the characters live in a woodland setting, and as I wanted to work with actors of all ages, shapes and sizes, I decided to generalise the meerkat idea for comic effect.

"Audiences will, we hope, be delighted by our Seven Non-Specific Furry Forest Creatures. They sing, they dance, they mine diamonds, and true to the traditional tale, they love and protect Snow White."

The Dwarfs are played by members of the adult company, the 1812 Youth Theatre, and newcomer Simon Read, who plays Grumbly.

Snow White runs until Sunday, December 11.

Tickets are selling fast and cost £15 for adults, £7.50 for under 16s and a family ticket is £40.

Book tickets by calling Helmsley Arts Centre Box Office on 01439 771700 or online at helmsleyarts.co.uk

picture: Six out of Seven of Snow White's Non-Specific Furry Forest Creatures. clockwise from left: Lottie Barker, Simon Read, Becca Silk, Oliver Clive, Amber Mason and Amy Hughes