Malton and Norton Amateur Operatic Society has a proud tradition of welcoming performers back into its ranks after they have made their mark elsewhere. Next month's show is no exception.

Former comedy turn Andrew Foxton is returning, but not on stage in this case. He is directing the society's pantomime, Goldilocks And The Three Bears, after finishing his theatre studies degree in Huddersfield and starting work at Lindsey School and Community Arts College in Cleethorpes, where he teaches 11 to 18 year olds.

In the 1990s, Andrew had been part of a comedy partnership in Malton pantomimes with Richard Stead, who is now a DJ on Yorkshire Coast Radio.

Andrew last appeared in panto with the society in 1998 but close readers of Malton programmes would have spotted his comic cameo in That's Entertainment earlier this year.

He is keen to do further directing after his Goldilocks debut. "I think once you get into your stride and realise what goes into a show you can adapt to anything," he says. "I'm also a little older and hopefully a little wiser now."

The chances of seeing him on stage again this year are slim, however.

"It won't happen unless someone breaks a leg. It's nice to take a back seat and have a rest," he says.

Andrew is thriving on the chance to direct the panto.

"I've always enjoyed pantomime and I like to think it's where I learned the craft. People know what they want in panto and you have to give them that, while surprising and entertaining them in a different way," he says. "I learned so much in the chorus from real artists such as Malton's veteran panto dame, Fred Bower, and his comedy partner Chris Robinson."

Any pre-show nerves are countered by his faith in the performers. "I feel confident in the ability of a strong, young cast and I'm getting good support from the society itself. Everyone is pulling in the right direction, and I feel I belong again," he says.

Goldilocks And The Three Bears introduces a new dame to the Malton show, Graham Underhill from Coventry, as well as two first-time principal performers, Ryedale teenagers Gemma Kirk and Nicola Gledhill. Seasoned panto comic Ian Goring will be starring too.

The show runs from January 16 to 24 in the Milton Rooms, Malton, at 7.15pm nightly except Sundays, with 2.15pm matinees on January 17 and 24. Tickets for opening night cost £5; other shows, £7, concessions £6, available from TIC in Malton Market Square, tel 01653 600048.

Updated: 15:34 Thursday, December 18, 2003