A village theatre group is desperate to find a new star after its leading lady picked up a throat infection.

Kennington Amateur Dramatic Society's New Year pantomime is due to open tonight.

The group is seeking help from some willing trouper who will step into her shoes to save the show.

Marie Haddaway, 24, who plays the female lead in Kennington Amateur Dramatic Society's production of 'Red Riding Hood meets Robin Hood', began to feel unwell last weekend during final rehearsals, but worse was to come. The throat infection meant she lost her voice completely.

Her boyfriend, James Mansfield, who plays the Sheriff of Nottingham in the KADS show, admitted: "Quite frankly, we're desperate!

"We're appealing to anyone who is willing to come forward and try and save the show to get in touch immediately.

"Obviously, they have to be female, aged between 18 and 25, and capable of learning a script at very short notice."

The panto, always a popular annual event in Kennington, is due to be performed tonight and tomorrow , with two performances on Saturday, at the village centre.

It will be repeated on the same days the following week.

James said: "We're dosing her up with everything we can find, in the faint hope it will come back in time.

"If the worst comes to the worst, we'll just have to fit her with a radio mike and hope for the best!"

Any potential stand-in star of the show is asked to contact James without delay, on 07930 952443.