TICKETS for the hugely-popular Welshampton pantomime are still available as the village’s cast gears up for its first show next month.

This year’s show is a time-travelling romp with a unique script by Oswestry playwright Shaun Higgins, and runs across March 3, 4 and 5 at Welshampton and Lyneal Parish Hall.

The colourful cast of characters has been filled by local people and even includes Shropshire Council librarian and Welshampton resident Heather Rodenhurst as the ferocious villain Ratzlinger.

Heather said that rehearsing the role of the evil sorceress was proving to be a real contrast to the day job.

She said: “When I step into Raztlinger’s costume, I leave behind the mild-mannered, customer focused librarian and give full rein to very bad behaviour indeed.

“I’m particularly looking forward to unleashing my villainous laugh on a terrified audience.”

Ratzlinger is joined by a host of colourful characters in a race against time to outsmart her wicked intentions and stop her from wreaking her rotten revenge.

The cast includes time-travelling heroes, ancient Greeks, the Time Team and the wildly chivalrous Knights of the Octagonal Table.

Director Ian Andrew paid tribute to the volunteers who have produced the scenery, props and music for the pantomime.

“I never cease to be amazed at the talent there is in and around Welshampton,” he said.

“Time after time, the Welshampton Bonfire Committee stages productions that showcase the fantastic skills of its volunteers and this year is no exception.”

The show takes place at Welshampton Parish Hall and runs over four performances: Friday, March 3 at 7.30pm; Saturday, March 4 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and Sunday, March 5 at 2.30pm.

Tickets, which cost £9.50 for adults, £7.50 for seniors and £5.50 for under 16s, can be booked via the Welshampton Bonfire Committee website www.welshampton.org.uk or by contacting 01948 710180.