DURSLEY Operatic and Dramatic Society is gearing up for its major production of the year - the popular pantomime, full of fun, talent and sparkle.

This year the show is called Jack and Jill and the Beanstalk' and has been written and directed by local author Craig Hewlett.

Craig said: "This is a traditional pantomime story with a twist in the tale."

The play opens on Saturday, January 19, with both matinee and evening performances, and runs until Saturday, January 26.

The venue, as for most DODS productions, is the Lister Hall in Long Street, Dursley.

Publicity officer Alan Marshall said: "Join our hapless hero Lazy Jack as he is duped by Conrad Fidence-trickster and Robin Ublind and trades Daisy the Camel for some magic beans.

"The beans turn out not to be very magic after all and need the help of the Fairy Liquid to get them to grow - will Jack outwit the Giant, rescue Princess Jill from the evil Sir Nicholas and win her heart?

"Meanwhile Lazy Jack's mother Dame Dolly Mixtures tries to earn the rent by opening Dolly's Diner, and Jack's brother Richard tries to elude Jill's amorous sister Gemima.

"All three end up helping Jack in his quest to make his fortune, braving dancing skeletons and the giant, and foiling the crooked duo."

Craig added: "The chorus play the good people of the village of Poverty near Dursley, a community of colourful folk, all trying to get by and pay Sir Nicholas the rent - it doesn't stop them enjoying life though, with a song and a dance at every opportunity."

The Sally Prout dance troupe features in the show as The Fairy Liquid's little helpers, and the many other dance routines within the musical numbers are performed by a dedicated band of dancers, many of whom trained in the same dance school.

Tickets are available now by filling in a booking form, available from DODs members, or in Dursley shops from January 5.