THIS was Stoke Lacy's third village pantomime and each year sees a little more polish added.

This year some new blood brought extra quality to the leading roles.

Drama student Amanda Vincent-Perkins, as Butch Casserole, teamed up with David Sallis, another who gets better each year, as the Sun-tanned Kid, and the pair demonstrated some impressive comic timing. Their set pieces with the evil Sheriff Small Holding, Nikki Ivison, were among the highlights, particularly then the three, dressed as women, sang Stand by Your Man.

Another welcome addition was Bob Dallow, as Buffalo Bill, who added many amusing moments with the hilarious Scottie McIlveen, as Running Bear.

If the plot, which saw the sheriff trying to evict Dame Winnie Pegg (Helen Albert) and family from their land, was a bit thin compared to previous years, the children were as enchanting as ever, James Thomas, as the Milky Bar Kid, standing out.

NICK HOWELLS