ROUNDING off the panto season in traditional style, the Aldersbrook Players will present their annual festive offering, The Sleeping Beauty, from next weekend.

Director Janet Godbold, who has been with the players for 40 years, tells me all the traditional elements are there except for the principal boy.

With a cast ranging from 14 to 70 years old, there is a real family spirit within the group that Janet insists will be played out on the stage.

“We make all our own costumes and sets,” she offers, “and everybody mucks in and helps with everything.”

The Sleeping Beauty runs at Brading Crescent Community Hall, Aldersbrook Road, Wanstead from Saturday, January 30 to Saturday, Friday 5. Tickets: 020 8989 0926 (£7)