THE BUILD-UP to this year's production of Cinderella at the Crewe Lyceum began last week when the star-studded cast arrived to begin rehearsals.

With just over a month to go until Christmas, pantomime fever is sweeping the town, with tickets flying out of the box office at record speed.

Leah Bracknell returns to the Lyceum after starring in the thriller Gaslight earlier in the year, to make her pantomime debut in the role of Prince Charming.

Leah is one of the biggest names in TV after playing Zoe Tate in Emmerdale for 17 years, the longest standing role in the history of the soap. The title role of Cinderella will be played by Jemma Keys Stacey from Hollyoaks. Returning to the Lyceum due to popular demand is the hilarious Johnny Mac, who last year was fantastic in the role of Wishee Washee in Aladdin.

This year he will play the most loved of all pantomime comedy roles - Buttons.

And joining this great star team is The Lavelle Brothers, the off-stage twins will be playing The Ugly Sisters, who last co-starred in the pantomime production of 2001/2002.

Cinderella opens on Wednesday December 6 and ends its run on Wednesday January 3.

For tickets and more information call the box office on 01270 537 333 or log on to www.lyceumtheatre.net