TICKETS are now on sale for the eagerly anticipated production of Babes in the Woods, being performed by the newly formed Gunnislake Amateur Dramatics (GLAD) group early next year.

GLAD has now expanded it's membership enormously and now has a website and an online newsletter.

Following a remarkably successful campaign by GLAD's fundraiser village postmistress Mary Taylor, funds have been pouring into GLAD's coffers from local businesses and supporters.  

Mary's most recent major fund raiser has been the sale of 900 raffle tickets that produced £900.

Raffle donations were generously offered by local traders, craftsman, residents and other organizations. All money raised will help with the costs of producing the panto—this includes the stage, curtains, costumes, scenery, lighting etc. 

The lucky prize winners are currently being informed by phone and prizes can be collected from Gunnislake's Post Office.

Mary is also now selling advertising space in the panto's desirable souvenir programme — she can be reached on 01822 832297.

Tickets for Babes in the Woods are £5 for adults with £3.50 for children and concessions and can be purchased at the Premier Stores between 8am and noon Monday to Friday or by phone from Tracey Hayden on 01822 864607.

There will be evening performances on February 2, 3 and 4 next year.

Twice weekly rehearsals are now into their fifth week under Mark Seaman's outstanding direction.

The locally drawn cast of 32 includes 12 children, four teenagers with adults aged from their 30s to 70s.

Mark also has written the original panto script which is being performed for the first time worldwide by GLAD.

Anthony Jay of GLAD said it was thought this would be the first panto to be performed in Gunnislake since the 1970s.

He said: 'Numerous volunteers have now come forward from the local community offering remarkable and diverse experience in the world of theatre and they, together with the strong enthusiastic, often highly skilled support of GLADs lay members, are confident that their joint and original creation will create a series of near professional standard performances next February that will enthrall their audiences and remain in everyones memory for years.'