CHRISTMAS may seem a long way off but Chipping Norton Theatre has announced its latest pantomime, which gets under way in November.

This year the theatre is promising to transport its audience across the seven seas to a land of magical adventure for Sinbad and the Diamond Princess.

The original script by Tony Bicat will provide plenty of baddies to boo and goodies to cheer.

Tickets for the show, which opens on November 18 and runs until January 8, went on general sale from Monday, July 5. Friends of the Theatre are able to book from Monday, June 28.

Ticket prices range from £5 for previews to £17 for the weeks immediately before and after Christmas and the final performances on January 8.

The Theatre is also running primary "school friendly" performances at 10am and 1.30pm on some days, with tickets costing £7 for school bookings, plus one ticket free for every 15 purchased. A free primary school teacher's pack is available on request when booking.

There is also a panto drawing or painting competition for primary school children.

Secondary school GCSE drama students are also being offered the chance to take part in pantomime workshop days with cast and crew on January 5 and 6.

To book tickets ring the box office on 01608 642350.

Information on panto workshops is available from the theatre's community and education officer on 01608 649102.