A VILLAGE community group will host its 34th pantomime in the new year completely scripted by a resident.

More than 100 people from Bicester and Launton are painting sets, designing costumes and rehearsing for the annual Launton Village Players Pantomime.

The group produce a show every year and this year it will perform The Snow Queen which was scripted by Launton resident, Julia West.

The Snow Queen is based on the story by Hans Christian Anderson and Ms West has created a magical tale with all the ingredients of a traditional panto.

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The 49-strong cast, which includes adults and children, also has a live band of four musicians and the leader of the band, Steve Webber, has written all the music and songs for the show, as he has for the last 18 Pantos.

Six performances will take place over the school half term on February 20, 21 and 22 at the Cooper School in Bicester.

Robert Cornford, the group's publicity officer, said: “The Launton Pantomime started in 1986 with two performances of Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Launtingham in the Parish Hall.

“Like all shows since it had an original script, and combined a traditional story with local links and topical references. In 1991, with The Grand Old Duke of Launton, the Village Players set out to raise money for good causes and gave away £170.50.

“Since then the Panto has raised £96,751.50, and we hope to reach £100,000 with The Snow Queen. We have given money to local, national and international charities and good causes based on suggestions from our members.”

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By the time of the first show the cast will have had at least 28 rehearsals, mostly in Launton Parish Hall.

Shows last year sold out early, so this time morning performances have been added.

On the Thursday, shows will be at 10am and again at 2.30pm. On the Friday and Saturday, afternoon shows start at 2.30pm and evening shows at 7.30pm.

Tickets for Thursday are £5 for children and £10 for adults and on Friday and Saturday are £6 for children and £12 for adults. Tickets go on sale on January 2 at The Bull Inn in Launton and at Coles Books in Crown Walk, Bicester.