Rehearsals are well under way for the Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society’s next production, Sleeping Beauty.

Rehearsals are well under way for the Melbourn Amateur Dramatics Society’s next production, Sleeping Beauty.

The society is going from strength to strength and members are all very excited about this year’s pantomime in particular, because of some successful funding applications over the last 12 months.

Thanks to funding from Melbourn Parish Council and South Cambs District Council, MADS have been fortunate enough to purchase new sound and lighting equipment, which the cast are very pleased about.

Lesley Spratt said: “The new equipment this year is a big learning curve for the team – and chaos regularly ensues!

“With everyone getting used to the mic swaps, for a first run through with the new tech the result has been pretty good. We now need to raise funds for a few more of the headmic receivers to ease the pressure.

“The spotlights are a fantastic addition. Putting the lighting script into action brings it all to life, with just a few tweaks being made here and there where needed.

First-time director James Spratt said: “With all the new tech and lighting I expect this year’s production to be the best yet.

“The script is traditional with many funny bits for both children and adults, and the cast have been rehearsing furiously – so it is all very exciting!”

MADS was set up by producer Donna Sleight along with her husband Paul in 2012.

It was originally a group of about eight people which has now grown to 25.

Lesley said: “We have a great team of cast and crew, and everyone plays an important part in each production.

“We are very lucky to have such a great group of people who are willing to give up so much of their time.”

Sleeping Beauty – which runs from Friday to Sunday, December 8 to 10, at Meldreth Village Hall – has all the fun of the traditional pantomime with lots of audience interaction so sing along with the songs and join in the banter.

There will be a licenced bar and tuck shop too for the performances, which include 7.30pm shows on the Friday and Saturday, and two weekend matinees at 2pm.

Tickets – priced from £9 or £7 concessions – are on sale now at www.melbournamdram.co.uk or from Melbourn Community Hub in High Street.