YOU could be forgiven for thinking that you're seeing double this month, as two girls from Gladestry prepare to step through the looking glass.

Ruby Love, aged 10, and Amy Le Bailly, 15 will take it in turn to play lead in the forthcoming village production of Alice Through The Looking Glass.

"It's a demanding part for the two budding actresses as the character of Alice is on stage for almost the entire show," said director Jess Mackenzie.

"Alice is a bit different from the previous Gladestry pantomines, but it has many of the same elements to it: great music, a fantastic set, props and costume all designed and made in the village.

"And, of course, Gladestry's legendary acting talents!"

There is an able cast of 25, and a talented backstage and creative team.

The stage version of Lewis Carroll's enchanting story is the latest in a string of Gladestry productions that have gained a reputation well-beyond the immediate community. The show is, in part, a tribute to the memory of Pam Milsom - who wrote and directed three previous Gladestry pantomimes.

Several regulars are once again treading the village hall boards, including local farmer Andrew Lloyd, the family trio Norman, Marlene and Martin Evans, and retired doctor Joanna Crawshaw.

Stained glass craftsman Jim Budd, who made his stage debut last year in Brilley Village Hall's Aladdin, is displaying his all-round talent in the role of the walrus and seven children from Gladestry primary school are taking part, as are many of the village's teenagers.

Feltmaker Harriet Hill has designed the set along with painter Daniel Crawshaw and jeweller Virginia Le Bailly. Props and costumes have all been made locally and the music is composed and directed by maestro Richard Bull.

Peter Michel, who worked on the movie set for Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, has also lent an experienced hand.

Costumes have been produced by seamstress extraordinaire Ceridwen Williams.

l Alice Through The Looking Glass plays at Gladestry Village Hall from February 19-21 at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee performance. Tickets are available on 01544 370322.