IT will be a family affair when Yeadon Pantomime Babes in the Wood' gets underway at Yeadon Town Hall on January 19.

Experienced actress Laura Judge will take on the role of Principal Boy in the pantomime which runs from January 19-27.

Laura, who is also a drama teacher, has done quite a bit of television work appearing in The Chase' which was filmed in the Otley area. She also appeared in Kay Mellor's Strictly Confidential'.

She has worked extensively in local theatre mainly with Bingley Little Theatre.

Laura will be joined in the Yeadon cast by her son Bradley, who is one of the Babes along with Victoria Brown. His sister Chloe is one of the Sunbeams.

This will be the 69th annual pantomime in Yeadon and one of the stalwarts who has played most of them is 79 year-old Arthur Lawson. He gave his first Yeadon pantomime performance in 1953 in Aladdin'.

This time he is cast as one of the Broker's Men along with newcomer Gareth Jones.

The pantomime has again been written by Peter Long and Keith Rawnsley and is again produced by Kath Williams. Musical Director is Derek Broadbent and Choreographer Jean Gledhill.

The role of the Dame has been taken on by Adam Gregory who is well experienced in the local theatre being a member of Yeadon Amateurs. He recently produced a play for that society.

The pantomime has a big cast of 13 principals, four chorus members, ten dancers and 12 Sunbeams.

Tracy Annal, who was Principal Boy last year, becomes second principal this year with Caroline Cross as Maid Marion.

Revelling in the role of the baddie will be Gary Holmes as the Sherrif with Doreen Seaman as a fellow baddie. She has figured in a number of local productions.

Writer Peter Long also has the role of Friar Tuck with Les Fryer as Little John. The teller of the story will be Frank Mottram as The Minstrel and Vicky Paris will appear as the Maid.

The comic lead of Wishbone will be played by the hugely talented Greg Silverwood.

The pantomime will, as usual fund the annual summer trip to the seaside for hundreds of Yeadon pensioners.

Ticket sales are already going well, particularly for the matinee. They are in the hands of long serving Winnie Brown who has been involved with the Yeadon Charities for 27 years. She was secretary for 20 years and has been Ticket Secretary for four years.

Tickets can be booked at the Booking Office at Yeadon Town Hall which is manned every afternoon from 2-4pm or they can be booked by ringing 01943 874704 (mornings only).