A Christmas pantomime based on the fairytale Sleeping Beauty has been written by Ros Hollands, a stalwart of the Swindon drama scene.

Ros has written the script for Wroughton Amateur Dramatic Society to perform on Saturday, December 10 and Sunday December 11 at Wroughton's Ellendune Centre.

Keeping it in the family this year is Tammy Hollands, Ros' daughter, who will be treading the boards as the Prince opposite Abigail Wood as Sleeping Beauty.

Sally Parker is Fairy Crystal and Sharon Bennett is Fairy Nettle. Sally said: "I must admit I am really enjoying playing against Sharon but it is difficult keeping a straight face in rehearsals.''

The cast range in age from 11-years-old to 68-year-olds and they are all under the beady eye of the director, Sheila Cairns, who says she always wanted to tackle Sleeping Beauty.

Comedy comes in the shape of Ink and Pen played in grand knock-about style by Isaac Burbidge and Adam Jenkins, while more regal roles are undertaken by Penny Caird and Simon Crutchley as the King and Queen.

New to treading the boards with WADAMS is Neale Cooper who is undertaking the role of the Chancellor.

Presenting a full scale pantomime throws up all sorts of obstacles and the logistics of sets, props and cast can be daunting.

Sally said: "I think some of the challenges are to do with a very different style of script and no chorus as such.''

Behind the scenes everyone mucks in to create the fairytale illusion but the main wizardry comes from Sheila Cairns, Ian Burbidge and Dave Gresham who create the realistic set, and Jane Weston whose trusty needle produces the sumptuous costumes. There is a matinee both days at 2.30pm and an evening performance at 7pm on the Saturday. Tickets are £10 for adults and £8 for children from the box office on 01793 825645. - Flicky Harrison