WITH the leaves of autumn yet to start falling, Malvern Theatres entered into the Christmas spirit when three bill toppers from this year's seasonal pantomime dropped in.

Last Christmas, the theatre didn't stage a panto, opting for the Die Fledermaus operetta instead, but this year it returns to a full professional production.

"Ringing the changes," said theatre chief executive Nic Lloyd.

The panto will come complete with "an all star cast", including the beautiful Sophia Thierens as Cinderella and "the Sensational Shetland Ponies" pulling a fairy coach and probably followed by a man with a bucket and shovel.