Sir becomes a dame to get the laughs

Carl Murray plays the dame, Sarah The Cook, in Drama Unlimited's production of Dick Whittington.

Carl, who works at Our Lady of Victories Primary School, played Buttons in last year's Cinderella.

Dick Whittington is a family show with a cast of more than 70 people, 300 costume changes and "dazzling and amazing" special effects.

The panto is staged from Wednesday to Saturday at 7:15pm, plus Saturday at 2pm.

Book tickets at Keighley Information Centre in the town hall, or phone 01274 752000.

n Puss in Boots is this year's pantomime from Cullingworth theatre group CADS.

The traditional family show is as usual presented in Cullingworth Village Hall, on February 19-22, at 7.15pm.

Most of the principal parts are played by adults, with a large children's chorus.

David Bennett is returning after several years' absence to provide some of the comedy.

Tickets are on sale at Cullingworth Pharmacy.

n A classic comedy by Noel Coward will be staged by Bingley Little Theatre from February 24 to March 1. Blithe Spirit, in which a medium summons a man's late wife to confront his new partner, is at Bingley Arts Centre.

Book tickets at Keighley Information Centre, or phone 01274 752000.

n The stage is set, the lines are learnt and the music will get your toes tapping.

So says Alma Elston, spokeswoman for Glusburn Youth Theatre, as she waxes lyrical about the group's latest panto.

The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe begins next Friday at Glusburn Institute with a cast of 50 children.

"The young cast have worked their socks off," says Alma. "Many members of the cast fit neatly into the story.

"Lots of dirty dastardly deeds are afoot throughout, but don't worry there is a beautiful Golden Bird of Happiness."

Amber Thorn plays the bird, with Helen Benson playing the title role of Dame Clara Welliboots.

Alma says: "The main sweethearts are Sally and Peter, played by Emma Seward and Luke People.

"Comedy input is from Danny Olson and Kevin McKeown, and scatter-brained professor and his assistant, Marcus Boyle and Lucas Uren, blast off a rocket."

The show runs from February 14-22 at 7pm (except Sunday and Thursday), plus both Saturdays at 2.30pm.

Book tickets at Glusburn Post Office or by phoning 01535 633140 or 630496.

n Dick Whittington is presented by Harden Players at the village's Congregational Chapel, tonight (7.30pm) and tomorrow (2pm, 7.30pm). Buy tickets from Harden Post Office.

n Soccer meets infidelity in a revival of the hit 1990s comedy play An Evening with Gary Lineker.

The show, performed at Burnley Mechanics, is set during 1990 World Cup in a hotel room in Majorca.

A married couple are on holiday, Monica to sort out her marriage and Bill to watch the famed England v Germany match.

During the match the audience sees Monica's fantasy affair with Gary, her real affair with Bill's friend,and the bizarre behaviour of a German tourist rep.

Book tickets for the February 20 play at Keighley Information Centre, or phone 01282 664400.

n A triple bill of "stunning and powerful" new work marks the relaunch of Phoenix Dance Theatre.

The dancers portray a tragic event and its emotionally crippling aftermath on a community, and take a fresh look at life in a modern city.

The show is at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, from Thursday to Saturday. Book tickets on 0113 213-7700.

n Shakespeare's masterpiece Henry V is performed in "no-frills" style by Northern Broadsides this winter.

Rousing speeches, comedy and battle, and presented with minimal scenery and accessible accidents.

The company also performs Thomas Heywood's 17th century comedy A Woman Killed with Kindness. The double bill is at the Viaduct Theatre, Halifax (February 26-March 8), Salts Mill, Saltaire (April 10-13), Skipton Cattle Mart (April 25/26) and West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds (May 20-31). Phone 01422 369704 for booking details.

n It may be cold in Yorkshire but in the land of the Mr Men it is already summer.

The children's favourites will be at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax, on February 19, with their friends the Little Miss.

Holiday at the Seaside is the title of the 2pm show full of music, songs and audience participation.

Not Now Bernard and other David McKee stories for children aged three-plus are presented on February 23 (11am and 2pm).

Book tickets at Keighley Information Centre or phone 01422 351158.

n Wakefield Ensemble performs chamber music by Debussy, Crusell, Ropartz, Ravel and Mozart next Friday (7.30pm) in Bradford Cathedral. Book on 01274 432000.

n The Bag of Quips stand-up comedy club returns to the Alhambra Studio, Bradford, tonight at 9pm. Admission is £7.

n Contrasting Indian Dance styles are used to celebrate the strength and reliance of a modern woman in a performance by Srishti Dance, on Thursday, at 7.30pm, in the Alhambra Studio, Bradford. Book on 01274 432000.