AUDIENCES are invited to come and have a ball at Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre.

The theatre is presenting one of THE classic pantomimes this year - Cinderella and this year it has made some changes.

Previous pantomimes have been co-produced with Bristol Old Vic, but this year the Everyman is going it alone.

"We have got a great cast together," said artistic director Sue Colverd. "This year's panto is set to be bigger and better than ever before and it will be extra special because it is produced entirely in-house."

Star dame Glynn Sweet is back as Ugly Sister Esmerelda, his first time back in frocks at the Everyman since he starred as Mother Goose in 1999.

He has already appeared in more than 25 pantos over the years and his partner-in-crime as Ugly sister Drusilla is Ged McKenna.

The title role of Cinderella, the girl who wants to have a ball, is played by Rhona Scott-Black.

Audiences will have to wait to find out whether Fairy Godmother Angela Bain and her magic umbrella are able to outwit the gruesome twosome and their wicked step-mother, played by Roger McKern.

Whatever happens there will be plenty of crazy antics along the way and youngsters will have an extra treat in the shape of cuddly Prestbury, a dog played by Kim Baker.

Sponsored by Kraft Foods, the show starts tonight (Thursday) and runs until January 12. Tickets are available from the box office on 01242 572573.

Panto fact file

- More than 500 pompoms are used in the costumes.

- More than 15,000 ice creams will be consumed during the run.

- It took six months to write the score. Musical director Adam Rose began writing in February.

- The Ugly Sisters have to change costume four times during the show.