NOT even floods could dampen the panto spirit of the Athelstan Players in Malmesbury.

The group was left with nowhere to rehearse their show, Humpty Dumpty, after the clubroom on the Flying Monk playing fields was flooded with two feet of water, and it was forced to relocate to Burton Hill School, St Mary's School and Corn Gastons School.

This week, fairy godmother, Elizabeth Outlaw, was taken ill, but the Players managed to work some magic to find a replacement.

"It's not been an easy time," said Players chairman Christine Mace, who will be playing the Evil Monstro. "But everything will be going ahead as planned."

The performances of Humpty Dumpty will star the largest cast of children the players have ever had, with ages ranging from eight to 16, as well as adult actors.

"It will be a traditional nursery rhyme panto with all the normal gags and songs for the audience," said director, Rachel Elkins.

The panto will be at Corn Gastons School at 7.30pm on November 30 and December 1 and 2, with a matinee at 3pm on December 2. Tickets are available from Travel House or on the door.