WOOTTON Bassett Light Operatic Society (WBLOS) is putting the finishing touches to its annual pantomime event which this year is Little Red Riding Hood.

This year’s show is the society’s 13th pantomime and is also part of the theatre group's 40th anniversary celebrations.

The tale centres around a courageous heroine and a handsome young hero in a court peopled by a self-obsessed Queen, shoe salesmen trying to be soldiers, her anxious parents, the baron and baroness, frivolous ladies in waiting, disco-dancing junior soldiers and the dame who is also a fitness instructor. There are also witches, a wolf, idiotic heralds, ghosts and disco-dancing soldiers.

Director Kate Northcott said: “I was honoured to be asked to direct the WBLOS panto in the 40th year no less. As it is also my own script, it is very close to my heart. The cast are doing an absolutely fab job and I hope the audience enjoy watching it as much as I’ve enjoyed directing it.”

WBLOS chairman, Stuart Dark said: “I can’t believe it has been 40 years. WBLOS has gone from strength to strength and I have loved every minute of it. I am really looking forward to our celebrations.”

The production is the start of a busy year for WBLOS who are also putting on Singing in the Rain, in April and a special anniversary concert in September.

The junior section of the society, the WBLETS, will be performing Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in mid-July.

Joseph show director, Marion Aspell, said: “The children have so much talent between them and just absorb the music by osmosis. We all love every moment of working on their shows and being a part of WBLOS.”

Little Red Riding Hood can be seen at the Memorial Hall in Royal Wootton Bassett between Friday January 27 and Sunday, January 29 with matinees on Saturday at 2.30pm, Sunday at 4pm and evening performances at 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday. Tickets cost. £9.50 and £8.50 for concessions. Call 07809 566981 for tickets.