COULD this be the shortest pantomime in York this season?

York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir are to perform a five-minute version of Little Red Riding Hood as a very small part of their Christmas In Fossgate concerts from December 1 to 3 at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall.

As retired school teacher and choir member Ian Reavill explains, the quickie panto is becoming as beloved as the York choir's traditional mix of Christmas songs and readings, “This will be the third short panto we've done and they're increasingly popular with our audiences,” he says.

Now in its third year, Christmas In Fossgate is the successor to the choir's renowned Carols In Kirkgate concerts. "With an entertaining blend of superb Christmas carols and light-hearted sketches presented by the choir and the Fossgate Singers, it promises to be an early Christmas treat, with the added interest of Little Red Riding Hood and a sharp-toothed grandmother," says publicity officer Colin Hockridge.

In September, York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir represented both city and country in an international music festival in York’s German twin city of Münster to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

"Choirs from Norway, France, Poland, Russia, England and Germany all came together to give a free gala concert," says Colin. "It was a unique and memorable occasion for all who took part, and we look to next month's concerts at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall to complete a wonderful year for the choir.”

Tickets for the 7.30pm concerts are on sale from the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on 01904 654818.