IF you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise, especially if you head to Chingford Assembly Hall where, breaking with tradition, a female is taking on the role as the pantomime dame Miss Locks for Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

“We thought we would try something different,” director Michael Michael says of the daring move, “and Amanda Powell is such a good singer it would be a waste if she didn’t have a big part, and Miss Locks has got a couple of lovely songs. I have seen her in rehearsals and it’s really working, she is very over the top.”

The more observant among you will also notice that Goldilocks and the Three Bears is not your traditional panto. Adapted from the classic tale, Elaine Elliot has added your usual villains, heroes and high jinks, with the story following the three bears as they struggle to evade the capture of the evil squire and his lackeys with the help of Goldilocks and Robin Hood... Robin Hood? Surely not?

“Because it’s a panto you can put anything you like in it,” Michael chuckles, “and it’s great because it gives it an interesting twist.”

Produced by Global Productions in collaboration with Waltham Forest Council, the community production features children from the Waltham Forest Youth Group starring alongside adult performers with the choreography by Lucy Ashton.

Michael and Elaine have been running the Waltham Forest Youth Group for more than 20 years, after discovering there was a call for the service while running acting workshops.

Speaking about the after-school group, Michael, who also runs Global Productions with Elaine, tells me: “The main focus of the group is to build up confidence and from there some of them go on to have careers in the industry. Some of the children wouldn’t say boo to a ghost when they first join us, but drama helps them to speak up at school.

“The priority is not to make them into stars but to give them the confidence to do what they want to do.”

With many of the cast, old and young, boasting previous experience on stage and screen, in shows such as EastEnders and The Bill, Michael insists “everything is running smoothly” with rehearsals.

“There are no jitters,” Michael says. “In fact, they all seem to be taking it in their stride, but I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing.”

Goldilocks and the Three Bears runs at the Chingford Assembly Hall Theatre, Station Road, Chingford, from Friday, December 18 to Sunday, December 20. Tickets: On the door, call 0750 416 2331 or visit www.walthamforestpanto.co.uk