LAST of the Summer Wine actress Sarah Thomas and Postman Pat have signed up to star in this year’s panto at the Thameside Theatre.

Sarah, who appeared in 209 episodes in the BBC sitcom from 1986 to 2009 as Glenda, will be playing the forest fairy in Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood.

Children’s hero Postman Pat will be appearing as himself.

West End actor Mark Siney, the theatre’s panto dame last year, returns in the role of Nurse Glucose.

The panto is set in Merry England in the days of old, within the green glades of Sherwood Forest.

It tells the story of a famous outlaw Robin Hood and his arch enemy the vile Sheriff of Nottingham.

Robin and his band of Merry Men will not only be stealing from the rich and give to the poor, but also have to keep some babes safe from their evil uncle.

The Thameside is offering its usual Early Bird deal – theatregoers who reserve now and pay by 5pm on October 11 can save up to £2.50 per ticket.

A 25 per cent deposit will be required within four days of the reservation.

To book your tickets call the theatre on 0845 300 5264 or pop into the box office at the theatre, in Orsett Road, Grays, which is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 1pm on and 2pm to 5pm on Saturdays.

Web users can log on to www.thurrock.gov.uk/ theatre and buy up to nine tickets.

l Young dancers are needed to perform in the Christmas pantomime at the Thameside Theatre.

Bruce James Productions, staging Robin Hood and the Babes In The Wood, are looking to recruit two sets of Babes and two teams of young dancers to perform for five weeks.

Those who are interested must be available from November 21 through until the last performance on January 9, 2011.

Open auditions will be held at the theatre, in Orsett Road, Grays, on Monday September 13 from 6pm.

For more information call the Thameside box office on the number above.