GOOD should outdo evil when Minehead Panto People take to the stage of the Regal Theatre tomorrow (Saturday).

In a production billed as a family favourite, a host of pantomime characters are preparing to dish out some seasonal slapstick.

Babes in the Wood, written by Graham Barraclough and directed by Chris McNeill, will contain all the traditional elements for a dose of festive fun.

The unfortunate babes Milly and Billy, played by Aiden Gigg with Marie Denley and Ryan Mobley with Emily Hayes, are orphaned and sent to live with their uncle - unluckily for them the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham (Peter Thompson).

The plot unfolds as gormless village layabouts Ruff and Reddy (Lee Baker and James Scott) are ordered to take the babes deep into the forest to kill them so the Sheriff can inherit all their money.

But as luck would have it, Robin Hood and his Merry Men are waiting in the wings, with Little John, Friar Tuck and Alan 'A' Dale bringing up the rear to rescue and save the orphans.

With the story veering from a boxing match to some beautiful ballet, school madness to a grumpy bear scene, and even featuring a monster of the moat, the production promises to both entertain and deliver plenty of laughs.

The cast contains a mix of newcomers and familiar faces and is backed up by a strong chorus.

New girl Kirsty Allen will make her debut as principal boy Robin Hood, with Hannah Thompson returning as principal girl Maid Marion.

Meanwhile, veteran dame and perennial favourite Malcolm McNeill takes on the role of Daisy Dunce, schoolteacher and nursemaid to the babes.

And Richard Derry, Tim Langdon, Seb Davies and Ross Hayes step into the shoes of Robin's band of Merry Men.

Nothing in panto-land is ever straightforward but audiences - who will be the first to check out the new face of the revamped Regal - can rest assuredthe ending will be a happy one.

By popular request, there will be performances on both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day but the curtain will rise for the first time tomorrow afternoon, with more matinees on Sunday (December 30) and January 1 and 5. Evening performances will also run from tomorrow until January 5.

Tickets, priced £9 for adults, £8.50 for Friends of the Regal and those on certain benefits and £5.50 for children and students, are available from the temporary box office in Minehead's Methodist Church or online at box [email protected]">[email protected].

Photos: Steve Guscott