When Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society take to the stage with Rapunzel, its latest pantomime, the group's faithful pianist Hilda Hawcutt will be celebrating 25 years tinkling the keys.

She said there was something of a tradition of long service, concerning pianists and pantomime shows, adding: "We go on into antiquity. It's horrendous really!"

As an admirer of 18th Century French organ pieces, Mrs Hawcutt claims not to be a huge fan of panto.

But she is thoroughly dedicated to LADS, and every year she delights in seeing another show come together.

Mrs Hawcutt said: "Musically, some of the songs in pantomime are dire and you don't want to play them more than once! But the fun is seeing it all gel.

"It's all these wacky people. You have to enjoy it. It's all good fun!"

Like the rest of LADS, Mrs Hawcutt puts in the hours to make sure the audiences go home contented from another pantomime season.

Currently, the 50-strong team is rehearsing twice a week. But big Sunday rehearsals are about to start at the Market Theatre, which are effectively full-scale shows in the final count down to the first night.

The cast members have been rehearsing solidly from September.

Rapunzel, a new show for LADS, will run from January 15 to January 19, and from January 22 to January 26, from 7.30pm each night, with two Saturday matinees from 2.30pm.

Tickets as ever, are selling like hot cakes, though plenty of seats are still available.

Ledbury pantomime fans could well find themselves sitting next to aficionados from further afield.

LADS chairman Paul Graham, who plays the dame, Matilda Mop, will tell you that people come from the Birmingham area to see a LADS pantomime, so highly are the shows regarded in the Midlands.

This year's attraction, Rapunzel, is the work of author Michael Buchanan-Smart, who penned both Robin Hood and Dick Whittington, both big hits for LADS in past years.

Mr Graham said: "It's a traditional pantomime, that will get audience participation with good sing-along songs, dances and jokes."

For the first time this year, LADS has enlisted the help of four ballet-trained choreographers, Elaine Graham, Sue Williamson, who choreographed the Ledbury Passion Play, Anne Lucas and Philipa Lucas.

A stunning set is being painted by local artist Tony Coppin who, although not a member of LADS, has been willing to offer his skills and time.

Tickets for the pantomime are now available from Ledbury Books and Maps in High Street.