A SLAPSTICK battle between good and evil will be played out on the stage of Minehead's Regal Theatre when the annual panto pulls into town tonight (Friday).

This year's production, Sleeping Beauty, promises to deliver all the ingredients for a traditional feast of post Christmas fun and laughter.

Minehead Panto People have come up with a cast which includes a mix of familiar faces and new talent, both onstage and behind the scenes.

Director Graeme Kelly will have the help of his wife and co-producer Caz for the eight-day run of the production - she not only plays the Fairy Godmother but is also responsible for the choreography along with Manda Clarke.

The multi-talented performers will unfold a tale of good and evil, love and romance, magic and spells.

As King Edwin (Colin Tennant) and Queen Henrietta (Becky Hutt) celebrate the birth of their lovely daughter Princess Beauty - played by Emily Cross - the evil Wicked Fairy in the form of Louise Doolan turns up to cast a shadow over events.

And it's down to handsome Prince Andrew - Paul Yates - to intervene to prevent the palace falling under a 100-year sleeping spell.

Panto dame Peter Thompson as Nanny Dolly Tubbs and her hapless son Tommy ( Tom Sparks) provide the laughter lines, while a host of loveable characters, slapstick, cheesy dialogue and marvellous music will help to ensure audiences leave with a smile on their faces.

The production will provide plenty of opportunities for boo and hiss enthusiasts and there is even the promise of a custard pie scene and an elusive gorilla.

"We have worked hard to make this the most memorable pantomime in years," said Graeme.

"So we hope people will get their tickets quick and be royally entertained so I can finally get some beauty sleep."

The curtain goes up tonight at 7.30pm, with performances tomorrow (December 31) to Monday at 2.30pm and from Tuesday to next Friday (January 6) at 7.30pm.

Next Saturday will see a matinee at 2.30pm, with the curtain falling for the final time at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced £9, or £7 for students and children, with a family ticket (two adults and two children) for £27.50, and are available from the Regal box office on 01643 706430 or online at http://www.regaltheatre">www.regaltheatre. co.uk.