THE latest production by Upton's Pepperpot Players brings a touch of the exotic to the well-trodden pantomime tradition.

Next week, the popular amateur troupe will take over the town's Memorial Hall to stage Sinbad The Sailor, a musical production based loosely on the tales of the Arabian Nights.

While Sinbad may be an unfamiliar choice for a family pantomime, director Natalie Gardiner promises it will contain all the hallmarks associated with the genre.

"It's a good old traditional panto romp, very bright and colourful to look at," she said. "There are lots of funny moments, singing and dancing and, of course, there's a song for the audience to join in with."

Sinbad is one of the Pepperpot Players' most ambitious productions to date, with a cast of around 50, a host of lavish costumes, and the challenge of bringing a flying carpet to the stage.

"It's a really big cast and it has had its moments to direct - we have had to think really hard about how to get so many people on to the stage at once," said Mrs Gardiner. "But it has been a lot of fun. We've had some great people helping out behind the scenes and everyone has played their part in getting the show ready for the opening curtain next week."

Mrs Gardiner said it was impossible to pick out any star turns, but did have a special mention for Upton postmaster Paul Twist, who will tackle the role of the pantomime dame.

"Paul's part in the show is worth the ticket price in itself," she said. "We're all really looking forward to it - there's something in there for everyone to enjoy."

Sinbad The Sailor is at Upton Memorial Hall from Tuesday-Saturday, February 13-17, at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are £5 and £5.50 from PS Presents on Old Street.