FOLLOWING the success of their last pantomime 'Aladdin' and encouraged by the large number of local people, including many children, taking part, the Courtenay Players are embarking on an exciting new venture.

Rehearsals have started for the musical play entitled 'Humbug' written by Tony Edwards, a prolific writer of plays and pantomimes for the amateur performer.

This a new musical version of the much loved Charles Dickens story of 'Scrooge' in the Christmas Carol classic.

Written in a similar fashion to a pantomime, the audience will be able to follow the famous villain turned hero 'Ebenezer, mean old geezer' on his road to salvation through a lively script with plenty of great songs.

Regular thespian Perry Vallance has packed away his dame costumes in exchange for Victorian shirt and cap to play the principal role and many of the other regular players are involved, with club president Roger Partridge directing proceedings.

The players have drawn together a large cast, including 30 children, and will present the show in the Charter Hall, Okehampton in January.