SHE SHOULDN'T eat the apple. The dwarfs warned her. But Snow White never was one to take heed of little men who live in the forest.

Sophie Bennett plays the title role in this year's Glusburn Pantomime, opposite little people who go by the names of Crouchy, Snoozy, Dippy, Chirpy, Muddles, Blessyoo and Blusher.

Writer and director Keith Shaw has changed the traditional names of the dwarfs to avoid infringing Walt Disney's copyright.

But while the names may be different, there'll still be comedy and drama in the traditional story. Special effects and spectacular scenery are also promised during seven performances between February 9-16.

"A new set has been built for the tinies, dressed as the queen's honey bees," says Keith. "The scenery also includes the diamond mine with a real waterfall, and the wicked queen's pet bat case with four flying bats."

Keith is joined by musical director Barry Pearce, veteran of several previous pantos, and newcomer Laura Myers as the choreographer.

The flying ballet is choreographed by Cross Hills hairdresser Gillian Thompson, and Riddlesden student Caroline Auty, a regular Glusburn performer, is teaching the tinies.

The cast of 74 children - average age 11 - includes a high proportion of new faces from both local villages and as far away as Keighley.

Principals include newcomers Karansa Booth from Glusburn and Helen Benson from Keighley, and old hands Jenny Ticknera and Rachel Spencer from Cross Hills.

Sutton teenager Kevin McKeown returns as a comedian, for the first time performing opposite Sutton's Daniel Olson.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs on February 9 and 16 (2.30pm), plus the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and second Saturday at 7pm. Buy tickets at Glusburn post office in Colne Road.