A RETIRED funeral director is forming a new pantomime company to raise money for youngsters with a disability.

The Shooting Stars troupe is focusing on traditional panto with a magical theme and is already preparing for its first show in just over 16 months’ time.

Aladdin will be performed at the Tacchi Morris Art Centre, in Monkton Heathfield, between December 4 and 11 next year.

The panto is being staged in aid of Selworthy School, in Priorswood, Taunton, which caters for children and young people aged four to 19.

The venture is the brainchild of pantomime dame and magician Nigel Ford, who hit on the idea of supporting Selworthy after a conversation with costume designer Julie King, who makes dresses for panto dames to support her own disabled children.

Nigel said: “‘I’ve always wanted to put on a panto in the village where I spent much of my younger years.

“I’m keen to involve as many people as possible on stage and off.

“There’s already been considerable interest so far.

“I am also delighted to be working in collaboration with the award-winning @2K theatre company.”

Anyone interested in finding out more or becoming a member of the group is invited to a wine and cheese evening at West Monkton village hall on Saturday, September 5 at 7.30pm. Fund-raising events for the school will follow.

Auditions for Aladdin, to be directed by Jane Burt, from Somerset, will take place next spring.

The patron of Shooting Stars is Tommy Banner, of The Wurzels band.

He said: “It’s a real honour to be associated with this project.

“For many years I was a driver for disabled people in Taunton and I am so pleased to be involved in this new venture.

“I hope the local community will support Shooting Stars by coming to watch Aladdin and raising as much money as possible for Selworthy School, a most deserving cause.”

*Nigel Ford is contactable at nkf651@yahoo.co.uk for any enquiries prior to the launch evening.