Rehearsals for this year's panto, Cinderella, get underway at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre this week. Bernie Clifton heads the cast as Buttons, with Emma Willis from TV's Grange Hills as Cinderella, Rod, Jane and Freddy from the children's TV series Rainbow who are Prince Charming and the Ugly Sisters, Pollyann Tanner as Dandini and Paul Mead as Baron Hardup.

Alongside the eight principals there is Willie the Wyvern and 30 chorus dancers and singers.

Nicki Western, marketing officer for the Wyvern said: ''We have had Rod, Jane and Freddy here before and they are wonderful. There is a brilliant atmosphere. It is going to be good fun.''

After the panto Rod, Jane and Freddy will be off on a Rainbow reunion tour with Bungle, Zippy and George.

Bernie will be bringing his puppet, the ostrich to the Wyvern for the performances of Cinderella from December 14 to January 12.

Tickets are £12.50 and £13.50 from (01793) 524481.