THE stage is almost set for Beer Panto People’s 2011 show.

While most of the cast slots for Sleeping Beauty have now been filled, following a meeting to attract interest, people can still get involved, on stage and behind the scenes. The youngest cast members are 10 and there is no upper age limit.

Group vice-chairman and panto director Audrey Tims said: “We’ve had a couple of new members join but we could still do with more people, especially in the age group 16 to 40.”

The script has been adapted from a Panto People original written by Audrey and Sharon Sienko, first produced in 1987. Back then, it was Audrey’s first script and her directorial debut, and Sharon’s first panto.

This will be the first show after the death of panto enthusiast Angela Copsey.

Audrey said: “She was a stalwart member of Panto People since we restarted in 2006 and will be sadly missed.”

And it will be Lara Howard’s last panto before heading off to university. She’ll be playing Prince Tristan.

“I shall miss her greatly, because she’s a strong performer,” said Audrey.

The first read-through is on Sunday, 7pm, at Steamers restaurant in New Cut. Then rehearsals are on Sunday evenings in Mariners Hall until Christmas, and after that Monday evenings too until the show at the hall from Thursday - Saturday, February 24-26.

Audrey said: “We are a friendly group that strives to do our best but don’t pretend to be professionals. We put on a show to the best of our abilities. Anybody’s welcome to join us, doing as little or as much as they want.”

Anyone who would like to get involved can call Audrey on (01297) 20048.

Cast list:

Serena Queen of the Sprites – TO BE FILLED; Fay - Tina Bishop; Loathius – Andy Williams; Pugh – Karly Buckley; Aurora – Chloe Burridge; Prince Tristan – Lara Howard; Rollo – Ricky Littley; Alfreda, the cleaner – TO BE FILLED; Courtier 1 – Chris Singleton; Coral – Georgia Hodder; Crystal – Jay-Z Northcott; King Beldred – Graham Jagger; Queen Eleanor – Christine Perkins; Hilaria – Georgia Hodder; Hortense – Jay-Z Northcott; Roland – James Williams; Oswald – Ricky Littley; Wilfred – Connor Buckley; Yokel 1 – Chris Singelton; Yokel 2 – Christine Perkins; Soldier 1 – James Williams; Soldier 2 – Stefan Miller; Vicar – Graham Jagger; Pink Seashell – Evie Seller; Blue Seashell – Ricky Littley; Bridesmaid – Chloe Burridge; Best man – Connor Buckley; Nurse – Evie Seller; Nanny – Lara Howard; Horse – Stefan Miller and Sarah Knighting; Keeper of the forest – James Williams; Script adaptation – Audrey Tims and Sharon Sienko; Director – Audrey Tims; Producer – Sharon Sienko; Scenery – Andrew Perkins; Costume manager – Christine Perkins; Choreography – Vicky Sims; Music – Stephanie Dommett; Lighting – Ashley Miller and Natasha Howard.