'Camelot is such a silly place' said King Arthur. Well, it was Graham Chapman playing King Arthur in Monty Python's Holy Grail that actually said it, I don't suppose the original King Arthur thought it was silly at all. But I hope that our version will be just as silly! And early signs are that it is going to be.

Rehearsals are well under way for this year's pantomime and for those of you who are just skimming through this article (and who can blame you!), yes, we are doing King Arthur. I have been asked several times what the pantomime is going to be and when I have answered the eager question with 'King Arthur', the person asking the question has seemed quite disappointed. 'That's not a pantomime' seems to be the usual response. Well, I suppose it isn't what usually springs to mind when the word pantomime is uttered. Aladdin, Cinderella and Mother Goose, perhaps might seem the 'normal' ones. But having attended all of the rehearsals thus far, I can assure you that this pantomime has got all the prerequisites needed to make it a big hit with the audience. It has audience participation, oh no it hasn't, oh yes it has, sorry just practising! Got carried away there, now where were we, ah yes a love interest, several comic characters and, of course, a baddie who is quite scary, well she makes me cower behind the script when she starts! Add to that an outstanding chorus, excellent songs that will have you joining in and brilliant scenery, what more could you possible want for an enjoyable evening out?

I do hope this hard sell is working on you! Now the next important item required for an evening out is a ticket! The pantomime will grace our boards on Wednesday 19th, Thursday 20th, Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd February 2003 (which will give you enough time to get over the traumas of Christmas!). Your first opportunity to buy tickets for this wonderful evening of entertainment will be on Saturday 18th January 2003 between 1pm and 2pm at the Tithe Barn, Horstead. There will be a limit of 6 tickets per person. If you are unable to go to the Barn on 18th January then tickets are available from Margot Miller at Bure View, Mill Road, Horstead (01603 737176). Also watch out for the posters and don't forget to look at our notice board on the wall of the Recruiting Sergeant nearer the time, well after Christmas!

There is only one thing that remains for me to do and although it might seem terribly early, and it does to me whilst I am typing it, but I shan't get another opportunity, sorry I am rambling on so I can put off the inevitable! I should like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year, may you all have a wonderful time, because although I moan about it, I love Christmas and I think I have just as much fun as our children! And don't forget Christmas won't really be over until you have been to see our pantomime and yes it is King Arthur and, oh no I am not going through it again, if you have skimmed to the bottom of the page you will have to start at the very beginning for the explanation!

Jayne Downing