"SILLINESS and having fun is definitely a big part of it."

Ally Baker is ruminating on the success of the drama group which she helped to found a decade ago, an anniversary which is being marked all year.

Despite being quite confident with full Shakespearian productions (they put on A Midsummer Night's Dream in one of their member's gardens this summer just for each other), Cumnor Players have just as much fun doing silly pantos.

Perhaps part of the reason is that they create every show they do themselves: script, costumes, props and production.

Ms Baker, a professional designer and seamstress who has made costumes for Oxford's Story Museum and Blenheim Palace, said: "We do everything from scratch from the script onwards, so there is loads of scope for everyone to be creative.

"The group of people who do it have all found ways of developing their own talents."

This year's panto (written by the players) is Robin and the Hoods – a new version of the traditional tale with a 'Mafia twist'.

The show is on at Cumnor Village Hall on December 7, 8, 9 and 10, and tickets are selling fast.

Find out more at cumnorplayers.org.uk