THE Rowntree Players have moved away from the standard pantomime stories to select Jack & Jill by Norman Robbins for their 2002 production.

Panto enthusiasts will be pleased, however, to learn that next week's show at Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, contains all the traditional ingredients with a demon, fairy, principal boy and girl, dame, comedy duo, dancers and the regulation slapstick.

Producer Eileen Lavender has recruited newcomers to join the Players' pantomime veterans. Top of the debutante pile is 18-year-old Sian Davies, a member of the Flying Ducks theatre group.

This year's principal girl, Jayne Slingsby, played So Shi in the Players' production of Aladdin; Andy Welch is again the villain of the piece, in the role of Demon Discontent, while Debbie Britton will be doing good deeds as the Rainbow Fairy.

Graham Bilton leads the comedy team, pulling on a wig and skirts for his annual outing as the dame, in the company of Andy Love and Graham Smith as the blundering Fetch & Carry.

Jeanette Hunter (formerly Feetenby) is Tommy Tittlemouse; Carly Russell is Demelzia; and Players' stalwart Jim Hammond, twice winner of the Wallace Trophy, is Baron Bumble.

The title roles go to Martin Durrant and the debut-making Olivia Hollings-worth, while Thomas Hutchinson doubles as Tonio and Antiquita.

Look out, too, for a lively young chorus of villagers and gipsies and a team of dancers from the Isobel School of Dancing. Music is provided by musical director David Spencer, Don Pears and Vic Heard; the stage manager is Martyn Hunter and the props master is Peter Major.

On an historical note, the pantomime Jack & Jill was the creation of celebrated Victorian writer Edward Leman Blanchard, who wrote 37 of the famous Drury Lane pantos and 28 more for other London shows.

First performed at Drury Lane in 1854, Jack & Jill was a favourite until well into the late 20th century with Arthur Askey, Ken Platt, Beryl Reid and Charlie Chester playing leading roles.

Jack & Jill runs from December 10 to 14. Next Saturday's 2.30pm matinee is fully booked but tickets are available for all the 7.30pm shows. Prices are £8, concessions £6, for the children's charity first night; £6 for December 11 and 12; £8 for December 13 and 14.

To book, ring York Theatre Royal box office, tel 01904 623568, or 01904 438518.

Updated: 10:25 Friday, December 06, 2002