THERE should be plenty of hissing and booing when Bridport's Electric Palace stages its next big live show later this month.

Bridport Pantomime Players are busy putting the finishing touches to their latest production - a brand new a version of Puss in Boots from the pen of talented local scriptwriter Dave Jeanes.

Amy Day, who was Cinderella in the sell-out 2007 show, takes on the title role of Puss while Mel Draper is the fabulous Fairy. Teresa Grinter will be the queen, with Helen Light as the principal boy again and Stephen Light back as the scene-stealing Dame.

New faces include Nicky Coleman joining the company as Egbert, one of the two brokers men alongside well known local face Jemma Jeanes who is her brother Cuthbert.

Nicky says she's delighted to be joining the crew this time out. She normally turns out for the Charmouth pantomime but when the village decided not to stage a production this year she volunteered her services to Bridport.

"I usually get the stupid part and I have again - this time as Eggbert," she said.

"Me and my brother Cuthbert are the slapstick and the dame falls in love with me. It is a very funny script which still has me laughing so I just hope I can stop before curtain up."

Nicky's sidekick Cuthbert played by Jemma - daughter of writer Dave Jeanes - is no stranger to the local stage. An accomplished helper backstage and polished performer in front of the lights, she began as a Bernard Gale dancer at the tender age of three, and appeared as town crier in last year's show.

Panto regular Sue Farrant plays the Lord Chamberlain while making a welcome return to the cast after an absence of several years is Meg Venn as the sorceress.

Sue, who played Baron Hardup - Cinderella's dad - last time reckons the Players are just a great bunch to be with.

"I have been with them for 20 years," she said. "They are a very happy bunch and very supportive of one another - just like one big family. We can say what we like to each other but if anyone else says itthen look out!"

Sue says Puss in Boots is shaping up to be a really good show, particularly humorous.

"We have several new faces which is nice as we are always looking to recruit younger members."

Meanwhile Meg Venn, is delighted to be back on the local stage after being out of the limelight for some time.

"I love performing on stage and I love panto," she said. "Before I had to give up I was always in the chorus but this time I went for the part of the sorceress and I was very pleased when I go it."

Bridport Pantomime Players will present Puss In Boots at The Electric Palace, South Street, from Tuesday January 22 to Saturday January 26 inclusive, curtain up 7.30pm. Tickets are £7 adults, £6 children (up to 16) and seniors, available from the Pets Pavilion, South Street, Bridport from now - telephone 01308 420804.