Get ready for The Mummy - The Panto! It's time for another venerable tale of derring-do to be subjected to the ignominious lampooning of a Theatre Workshop Coulsdon panto makeover.

This year it's dusty pyramids, bristling moustaches and hideous ancient curses to the fore, as Theatre Workshop Coulsdon take on The Mummy.

Well, it was just too topical to miss, given this year's blockbuster release of The Mummy Returns.

The Mummy-The Panto sees a pot-pourri of B-movie horror clichs, seamlessly transplanted into a pantomime setting, as a band of gallant museological nitwits take on a hair-raising quest up the Nile.

They seek the secret temple of Anubis, and to recover the mummies of the high priest Imhotep and his lover, the Princess Anks-un-avanibble.

But the heroes find themselves in a race against the evil Ardet Bey - a raving madman determined to unleash a terrifying ancient power, hidden for 3000 years beneath the desert sands.

Will the power-crazed Egyptian baddie succeed in raising the mummy of Imhotep or will his inept sidekicks Muk-itup and Kok-itup bungle the bandages?

Will the adorable Miss Rose Garden Professor Pottering's beautiful assistant turn out to be descended from the Royal Line of Avanibble?

As you can see, it's the usual boisterous nonsense played with absolute conviction, boundless energy, and immense cheek.

There's no opportunity missed to involve the audience in the action, a full band accompanying a dozen band up-to-the-minute pop pastiches, plus a cartload of naughty jokes for children of all ages (including the grown-up variety), super Egyptian sets, costumes and special effects and a great new exotic setting.

So, if you fancy a festive entertainment with all the traditional trimmings, but created around a colourful new proposition, book your tickets now by calling the box office on 01737 350939.

Ticket prices are £5 for adults, £3.50 for children, students and senior citizens. Performances take place at Coulsdon Youth and Social Centre, Chipstead Valley Road, on Saturday, December 8 at 8pm, Sunday, December 9 at 3pm, Friday, December 14 at 8pm, Saturday, December 15 at 3pm and 8pm and Sunday, December 16 at 3pm.

December 5, 2001 17:00