THE final rehearsals are underway as youngsters from across East Lothian prepare to take to the stage fo this year's pantomime spectacular - Cinderella.

The annual panto, in The Brunton, Musselburgh, will see 26 young dancers and performers from the county join professionals on the stage during its festive run.

The stars of the show have been hard at work rehearsing alongside the youngsters with the final touches being added to costumes and performances.

Among this year's headlining acts are Richard Conlon and Mark McDonnell as the Ugly Sisters, returning to The Brunton after a hilarious appearance last year as Cronk and Squelch in Jack and the Beanstalk.

They are joined by Kirsty Halliday as Cinderella, Blair Robertson as Prince, Shonagh Price as Fairy Godmother, Derek McGhie as Buttons, Sean Hay as Baron Dougall of Scoughall, and Keith McLeish as Andy, the Prince’s Manservant.

Shonagh Price, Sean Hay and Derek McGhie will be familiar faces to Musselburgh audiences as they all have performed in previous Brunton pantomimes, and both Kirsty and Derek are well known in East Lothian for their tutoring work with East Lothian Youth Theatre and Brunton Players.

Following excellent reviews for his production of Jack and the Beanstalk last year Mark Cox, best known to audiences as Tam Mullen in BBC’s Still Game, returns as writer and director of this year's pantomime.

Robin Peoples, well known for his fabulous theatrical creations for Funbox and The Singing Kettle, also returns to design set and costumes.

Lesley Smith, general manager of The Brunton, said: "Rehearsals are underway for this year’s pantomime, which we are all really excited about. We are really delighted with the strong creative team and cast that we have put together this year. Mark Cox’s very funny script and expert direction, along with Robin People’s fabulous and ingenious set, will ensure a truly fantastic panto experience for our audiences."

Cinderella is described as a a festive treat full of fun and laughter with oodles of gags, local references, chart hits, outrageous costumes and shouting out.

It is on at The Brunton from Tuesday, November 24, until Saturday, January 2. Tickets are available from The Brunton on 0131 665 2240 or online at www.thebrunton.co.uk