OH yes they are! A theatre group will soon be treading the boards when they perform an entertaining and original pantomime. Semar Players are staging Dick Whittington at Katherine Semar Junior School on Ross Close, Saffron Walden, on Friday (January 29) a

OH yes they are! A theatre group will soon be treading the boards when they perform an entertaining and original pantomime.

Semar Players are staging Dick Whittington at Katherine Semar Junior School on Ross Close, Saffron Walden, on Friday (January 29) and Saturday (January 30).

This year's panto has been written by two cast members - mother and son, Clare and Robert Clenshaw - and features a cornucopia of madcap characters and travels to 19th century London as well as strange faraway lands.

Director Andy Long said: "The pantomime at Katherine Semar has been running for 17 years and it is always a very special event. There is a lot of community involvement, with pupils, adults and staff all taking part."

An excellent group of actors make up the entertaining cast of good guys, villains, pantomime dames and comedy characters. But can they stop the dastardly King Rat before his evil plans are brought to conclusion?

To find out book tickets, priced at �4, by calling Andy on 01799 521120 or 01799 524443. The first show will be at 7.30pm on Friday, followed by a 3pm matin�e and a 7.30pm performance on Saturday.

Semar Players was founded in September 1993 by Andy Long and Maggie Hughes, and performed its first pantomime, The Last Nowell, in January 1994. Although Maggie is no longer involved, Andy continues as pantomime director.

The group was formed with the aim of introducing young children to drama, whilst at the same time raising funds to provide additional facilities for the school. Further donations from pantomime proceeds have been made annually to local charities.

If you want to find out more about joining the players then contact them through Katherine Semar Junior School on 01799 524443 or 521120. For information visit www.semarplayers.co.uk