USUALLY he's the 'dame' in a Blackwood charity's annual pantomime. But this year Mike Edmunds turned his hand to directing the Blackwood Cancercareline show.

Mike, husband of charity founder Jean Edmunds, says it has been quite a challenge, moulding the 28-strong cast into shape.

Rehearsals started back in the summer and now the show - the Wizard of Oz - is due to be staged in February.

Mike said he had originally intended to take the part of the wizard - as well as directing.

He had to co-direct and act last year after the original director had to pull out.

But this year, he says, the dual role was too much. "This is the first time I have directed on my own and it is a real challenge," he said.

"People have been really supportive - we have got a brilliant cast." It will be the third year that the charity - which provides help and support for anyone in the Caerphilly county borough affected by cancer - has put on a pantomime.

It is staged after Christmas to brighten up a time which can be difficult for the sick and the bereaved.

Taking the main part of Dorothy will be Katie Griffiths, Wendy Angel will be the lion, Ryan Nicholls the tin man and Samantha Morton the scarecrow. Lailah Harriott will be the princess, Tony Gallagher is the panto dame and Shelley Morton plays the prince.

The three witches are Nicola Morton, Jo Warburton and Jodie Warburton, while Andrew Payne will play the wizard.

The panto will run at the Newbridge Memorial Hall from Wednesday, February 22, to Saturday, February 26.

The four evening performances start at 7pm, and matinees, at 2pm, will be performed on the Friday and Saturday.

Tickets are £5, or £4 concessions. Ring Cancercareline on 01495 221660 or the Memo on 01495 243252.