FEAR not if you spot a sizeable theatrical goose heading over Windermere next week, it's bound for The Lakes Players next laughter-laden and lavish show.

In full, fun-loving flight, Mother Goose runs from Wednesday-Sunday, January 25-29, at The Lakes School, Troutbeck Bridge, with, as usual, doyenne of dames Stewart Hart in the director's chair and Gareth Lambert producing.

This year's seriously side-splitting pantomime is another spectacular song and dance with the highly flying feathery friend taking Mother Goose and the gang to save Priscilla whose been stolen by the evil queen Toffeenose.

The hard working, closely knit production team also includes Catherine Robinson in charge of choreography, stage manager, Mike Robinson and special effects wizard Paul Gavin of Purple Sheep London.

The talented movers of Ambleside's Miss Maria School of Dance also play their part with some fabulous dance routines.

And so to the glittering cast which includes Stewart as Mother Goose, Gareth playing Archie, and the royal robes of Queen Toffeenose will be worn by Nicky Woods.

Rachel Slater is in the guise of Fatty McButterpants, Matthew Chadbourne takes the role of Jack, Jill is played by Rachel Woods, Anthony Dean is in the panto spotlight as Squire Squeezem, and Jenna Barton takes the role of Priscilla Goose.

Fairy Betty is played by Alex Wickens whose been in The Lakes Players' line-up for four years.

Alex was born on the borders of Scotland but moved to the Lakes when she was seven years old because her parents ran a hotel on the lake.

She admits that she never got involved in any productions at school or university, but when she started taking her children to watch the Players pantomime and saw people she knew performing, she thought she like to give it a try. Soon after she joined the popular performers.

"My first show was Dick Whittington where I was part of the chorus; just dipping my toe in, as it were," explains Alex.

"It's a brilliant opportunity to be part of a very professional amateur production and bring a little light hearted humour to what can often be an otherwise bleak month (January).

"Last year I played the wicked queen Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty and absolutely revelled in the audience banter and having a loyal - but stupid - sidekick."

So, is she enjoying playing Fairy Betty?

"Well, being 'good' is a bit of a challenge. I prefer the dark side," laughs Alex.

As well as being a mum to two rapidly growing up girls who, she says, "think I'm their own personal taxi service," she's kept really busy as an active member of Windermere Area First Responders: "I've thoroughly enjoyed being able to help people when they need you. It's really rewarding and makes me feel like I'm doing something for our local community. Although it was a bit embarrassing once when I was recognised as the Wicked Queen and had to reassure them that it was just a character."

Performances from Wednesday-Saturday start at 7pm with 1pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets for Mother Goose are available from the Royal Oak at Bowness or online at www.lakesplayers.co.uk.