WHAT do you think of when you hear the word ‘pantomime’?

Do you think of laughter, of fun and happy thoughts?

Well that is exactly what the Manx Operatic Society has in store for you when you watch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Gaiety Theatre this Christmas. The two-week run begins on Saturday with plenty of matinees and discounts for families, senior citizens and youngsters.

Spokesman Nicola Openshaw explained: ‘We have a beautiful princess, seven charming dwarfs, a wicked queen, a glittery fairy and much more, coupled with some amazing songs, both traditional and modern. Slap-stick gags, jokes that make you groan, pyrotechnics and lots of singing and dancing.

‘The Society has worked tirelessly to bring to the Manx public a pantomime that will ensure you leave the theatre with that warm, fluffy Christmas glow.’

She said: ‘We started the audition process in July when we auditioned more than 100 children for the parts of the dwarfs and villager children.

‘We brought with us 34 children who make up the Snow White Team, 4 Junior Adult cast, and a selection of company.

‘Snow White is played by two ladies, Kate Cowley, who has performed with the society in a number of shows, and newcomer Abi Newton who this year played the lead in Our House in Peel.’

Alongside them, Jack Divers will play the Wicked Queen Morgiana, Dean Callow plays Prince Lorenzo, Carrie Hunt plays the lovable Fairy, David Lyons plays Herman The Henchman, David Cowley plays Muddles the Jester and Bob Harrison plays Tom Bowler the Inn Keeper.

‘We are happy to welcome a number of new performers to the Manx Operatic Society both as company and as dancers,’ said Nicola, ‘It is always great to have new people join the society, and what better way to get to know everyone than in pantomime.’

The costumes and scenery have just been delivered and the cast have now moved into the theatre for rehearsals.

Nicola explained: ‘The scenery is vibrant, and the opening number is full of colour and will make you sit up in your seat and prepare for a fantastic journey.’

The team once again welcome Scott St Marytn as director of their show.

Nicola said: ‘He understands how pantomime should be. He has, over his career, performed in and directed hundreds of pantomimes, with Snow White being one he took part in as Herman the Henchman.’

She concluded: ‘Ticket sales have been good and steady.

‘So if you love pantomime at its best then Snow White is not to be missed, and we look forward to sharing a magical Christmas with you.’

The shows, which run between December 15 and 31, start at 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinees available.

Tickets start at £20, with concessions available. Call 600555 to book.

LEGENDARY Liverpudlian 80s sensations China Crisis will host a special Christmas charity gig in aid of a very special girl this weekend.

The concert, which begins with island act US and will be followed by an 80s disco, takes place in The Crescent, Douglas, on Saturday night.

Proceeds will go toWish Upon A Dream, an Isle of Man-registered charity which grants wishes for sick and terminally ill children in the island.

Money raised at this gig will go directly towards the care of young Douglas resident Caitlin who was born with a rare genetic condition which leaves her relying entirely on her parents for everything.

This is a very poignant cause especially now that Caitlin’s mother is very ill and her father Cliff, a long-standing China Crisis fan, is having to look after them both.

The evening, which includes a raffle with some great prizes, coincides with China Crisis’s 30th Anniversary UK Tour and will be their final gig of the year.

The band formed in 1979 in Kirkby on Merseyside, with founder members vocalist/ keyboardist Garry Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon.

Eddie now lectures in songwriting and performance at the prestigious Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), which has recently endorsed a new stage school called Studio L in Ramsey.

At their island gig, Gary and Eddie will be accompanied by two former LIPA students, drummer Sian Monaghan and bass player Chris Nicholls, as well as Stuart Nisbet and Brian McNeil.

The set list will include the hits Wishful Thinking, Christian and Black Man Ray plus many more great songs.

The doors will open at 8pm with the support act taking to the stage at 8.45pm and China Crisis beginning their set at 9.30pm. The after-show disco will continue until 1am.

Tickets are £20 and can be bought at the Villa Marina reception, the Sea Terminal Welcome Centre, at The Crescent on Queen’s Promenade or printed out online at www.rspromotickets.co.uk

Tickets can also be bought on the night, unless sold-out, using cash only.

For further details contact Roy Shuttleworth of RS Promotions on 07970 990774.

YOU are invited to shake your tail feather at a fun-packed Blues Brothers charity night at the Villa Marina tomorrow (Friday).

The Briefcase Blues Brothers offers a full eight-piece tribute show jam-packed with all the classics, including Everybody Needs Somebody, I Feel Good, Higher and Higher, Shake Your Tail Feather, Mustang Sally and many more.

The original Blues Brothers are an American blues and soul revivalist band founded in 1978 by comedy actors Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as part of a musical sketch on the US tv show Saturday Night Live.

Belushi and Aykroyd, respectively in character as lead vocalist Joliet Jake Blues and harmonica player/backing vocalist Elwood Blues, fronted the band, which was composed of well-known and respected musicians. The band began to take on a life beyond the confines of the television screen, releasing an album, Briefcase Full of Blues, in 1978, and then having a Hollywood film, The Blues Brothers, created around its characters in 1980.

After the death of Belushi in 1982, the Blues Brothers have continued to perform with a rotation of guest singers and other band members. The band reformed in 1988 for a world tour and again in 1998 for a sequel to the film, Blues Brothers 2000.

UK tribute band The Briefcase Blues Brothers, which has been performing to audiences across Britain and the world for more than 13 years, features Mario Megaro as Joliet Jake and Chris Cartwright as Elwood.

Mario has been singing since the age of seven and has been performing and fronting live bands since 1991. He started The Briefcase Blues Brothers in 1998.

Meanwhile, Chris was the original Elwood for the show and returned to the role in 2009. He has been performing on stage since the early 80s and has worked with Mario in various shows over the last 16 years. He has also appeared on stage at The Oxford University Members Society in a Rocky Horror tribute alongside the legendary Richard O’Brian and Patricia Quinn. Chris combines his Elwood duties with professional photography, and will also soon be seen as Bjorn in Abba tribute band Honey Honey.

For their Manx show, the duo will take to the stage with a full band including drums, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, trumpet and saxophone.

And they promise a night which recreates the energy and excitement of the original band and cult movie.

All proceeds from this event will go towards supporting the work of island charity Junior Achievement.

Sue Cook, of the charity, said: ‘With Christmas nearly upon us The Briefcase Blues Brothers will be a fantastic party night.

‘The fabulous tribute act is an eight-piece show band playing all your favourite songs. And to finish off the evening Chris Williams from Manx Radio will DJ until midnight.’

The show, which is sponsored by Davisons Ice Cream and The Italian Job and is in association with Manx Radio, starts at 8.15pm.

Tickets cost £20 and are available from the box office on 600555.

Fire crews from Douglas and Peel stations dealt with a serious road accident in Marown this afternoon.

It took place near St Patrick’s Chair, Garth.

A car overturned and had come to rest on its roof in a river.

The single male occupant got out and scrambled to safety. He suffered minor injuries.

He then telephoned the emergency services and told them he had freed himself.

Douglas fire crews made safe the vehicle by the isolation of electrical systems, thus preventing any fires within the vehicle.

The growth in interest and support for the Manx language has received another boost with the launch of a free app for Android phones, iPhones and iPads.

The lessons for the app have been produced by Adrian Cain, the Manx language development officer for the Manx Heritage Foundation.

The ‘Learn Manx’ app is based on the successful adult language course ran by the Manx Heritage Foundation.

‘Learn Manx’ consists of 10 units, each consisting of a variety of activities, while two additional revision lessons feature the TT Races as learning tools.

The app will eventually cover 30 units in total, providing an introduction to the language to those unfamiliar with it, as well as a great revision course for those who already know some Manx.

Mr Cain said: ‘The app is really a superb addition to the increasing number of resources available for those wanting to learn some Gaelg.

‘The app is a serious learning tool for the student of Manx and should be something that everyone can use and enjoy.’

The course has been made possible due to substantial financial support from telecommunications firm Sure.

Mr Cain thanked Andy Bridson from Sure for their financial support and added: ‘Their support illustrates a positive dynamic between both the language and local business and that given such support the language clearly has a vibrant and exciting future’

Mr Bridson said: ‘It was a pleasure and a privilege to be able to support the Manx Heritage Foundation in a merger between 21st Century technology and our Manx Gaelic language with origins dating back to the 4th Century.

‘I would also like to thank Adrian who has personally injected a massive amount of dedication and hard work to bring this to life. Whether we use the Manx Language App for fun or serious learning it keeps our language very much alive.’

The app is now free to download on iStore and Google Play.

THE island has been hit by an outbreak of mumps.

The viral disease has taken hold among a generation of people who weren’t vaccinated after the MMR autism scare in the 1990s.

Until the end of November, the island had seen 196 cases so far this year. More have been reported since the beginning of this month.

Usually, the figures would be measured in dozens.

Dr Paul Emerson, consultant in public health medicine , said: ‘It is down to a combination of things.

‘In the 1990s, uptake of the MMR vaccine [among children] fell because of the Wakefield fiasco which linked MMR to autism and which was proven to be unfounded.’

That generation, now adolescents and in their 20s, have been hit in the latest outbreak.

Those born before 1970, before vaccination, were more likely to have natural lifelong immunity.

The MMR vaccine drops off in effectiveness 10 to 15 years after it’s given. So anyone who had the jab when they were younger should see their GP again to get a booster.

‘Mumps is more serious in men,’ said Dr Emerson. ‘It can lead to sterility. It can lead to a nasty fever and pain in the groin area.’

Women are also more likely to miscarry if they get mumps in the first trimester of a pregnancy.

Dr Emerson stressed there was no evidence it could lead to foetal abnormalities.

The virus is not as infectious as measels or chicken pox. However, it is spread the same way as flu, though direct contact with saliva, coughing, sneezing and kissing.

So encounters under the mistletoe during the festive season might be best avoided.

Dr Emerson advised anyone with mumps to treat the symptoms.

Earlier this year, St George’s football team was hit by the virus as five players contracted the virus.

Anecdotal reports received at Isle of Man Newspapers suggest a number of school classes and workplaces have been affected.

Mumps is a serious infection which can cause the following symptoms:

•Painful inflammation and swelling of the salivary glands under one or both sides of the jaw

•Fever and headache

Complications can include:

•Inflammation of the pancreas

•Viral meningitis (inflammation of the brain)

•Inflamed and swollen testicles in men and ovaries in women

•Mumps can also cause deafness.

The MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent mumps. It should be routinely given when children are 12 months old, and a second dose should be given when they are three years and four months old.

The father of PC Fiona Bone spoke publicly for the first time yesterday at the opening of a memorial garden and ‘a wonderful lasting tribute’ to his daughter.

Mr Bone and his wife June live in Port St Mary.

Fiona had been a sixth-former at Castle Rushen High School.

Paul Bone spoke during a service to officially open the garden which is at the front of Hyde Police Station in Greater Manchester where PC Bone, aged 32, and PC Nicola Hughes, aged 23, worked.

A statement was also read out on behalf of the family of PC Hughes who died alongside PC Bone in a gun and grenade attack in nearby Hattersley on September 18.

Mr Bone thanked police for their support following the tragedy which he described as ‘the club that nobody wants to join’.

He added: ‘We as a family are tremendously grateful for the support we have had from the community.

‘Fiona and Nicola died doing their jobs, serving their local community and it’s fitting and proper that we dedicate to them a part of the place where they spent much of their time doing that work.

‘I hope this garden serves as a reminder to the people of Manchester of the work done and the sacrifices made by the police on their behalf.’

Mr Bone said the promise to ‘look after each other and protect each other’ would ensure the police officers had not died in vain.

PC Bone’s father spoke before the many colleagues and members of the public who had gathered to pay their respects.

Prayers were said, a minutes silence was observed and white doves were also released.

Greater Manchester’s Chief Constable Peter Fahy who opened the garden said: ‘I think it’s really fitting that the garden has been created outside the walls of the police station so ordinary members of the public can come here and use it as a place of remembrance and reflection.

‘We cannot imagine what Fiona and Nicola’s family are going through particularly at this time of year.

‘All we can do is stand with them and share in their grief and say through this memorial we will never forget.’

HAVING suffered late heartbreak last Saturday, Ayre United will need to be on top form if they are to bounce back when they face RYCOB in a northern derby in JCK Division Two this weekend.

The Tangerines had looked set to throw the title race open again after storming into a 3-1 lead against league leaders Michael United but three second half goals earned the Balleira Road side a dramatic 4-3 win which saw them move five points clear at the top of the table.

With Michael not in action this weekend, RYCOB have a chance to move to within two points of them but face a stern test at home against their near neighbours. No fewer than 10 points separate the two sides but form often goes out the window in derbies so Ayre could well spring a surprise on Saturday.

Sandwiched in between those two sides in the table is Colby who also face a tough game at home to Douglas Royal.

The Ballafletcher side may find themselves in fifth place but recent performances have shown they are more than capable of holding their own against the title challengers so another shock could be in store.

Having said that, Colby have been one of the standout teams thus far this season and look a good bet for promotion so they should just have enough to take the points from this contest.

Foxdale could well find themselves in the top four come Saturday lunchtime should they get the better of Ronaldsway and other results go their way.

The Billy Goat Park side held Colby to a draw last time out and remain the only side to topple Michael so all signs point to an away win, but plucky Ronaldsway have already surpassed expectations and are searching for an impressive fifth win already this season.

One team hoping to soar past the Rockets are Onchan who take on Pulrose at the Nivison Stadium. The Os have endured a difficult season to date but two wins in their last three games is hopefully a sign of better things to come.

Elsewhere in JCK Division Two, having recorded a 6-1 win against Ronaldsway last Saturday, Braddan will be hoping to continue their goalscoring frenzy against bottom-of-the-table Malew at Clagh Vane while at Noble’s Park the mighty Douglas and District take on a Douglas Athletic side who are currently four points behind them in the league standings.

The first TT Triathlon will take place on June 30, 2013, and two local charities are looking for competitors to raise money for them.

The triathlon’s official charities are Hospice Isle of Man and The Children’s Centre.

The event will be organised by a local board that will work in partnership with one of the UK’s leading sports event administrators to deliver it.

As well as generating visitors to the island, Manx sporting organisations will also benefit from funds raised by the TT Triathlon.

The Isle of Man’s first ever long-course endurance triathlon will feature a 2.4-mile open water swim in Douglas bay followed by a 112-mile cycle around the island and will end with the small matte of a a full 26.2-mile marathon.

Part of the race route will include a section of the TT Mountain Course and the TT Grandstand.

Respected long distance triathlon race director and course designer Richard Wallace will lead the organising team that also features a number of representatives from the local sporting community including experienced Manx Triathlon organisers and competitors, Clive and June Collister.

Those interested in participating can now visit {http://www.TTTri.com.TTTri.com} to register their interest now.

Early entry will cost £275.

That might seem expensive but entry to a similar ‘Ironman’ event in Bolton costs between £375 and £425.

That event has 1,750 participants and has sold out.

Travel and accommodation packages will be available starting at £130 per person for those wishing to visit the island to take part.

Sponsorship forms for both charities are also available to download.

Charity representatives John Knight and Mary Doyle added their thanks to the organising committee for organising such a terrific event and for giving back to the community in such an innovative way.

2E2-SPONSORED Douglas Rugby Club make the long trek to Buxton in the Peak District this weekend in South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two for their final fixture of 2012.

Douglas are smarting a little after last week’s defeat to Oswestry when they could and should have won.

However, they will not dwell on this and will hopefully get things back on track against a Buxton who visited Port-e-Chee a couple of weeks ago and, despite the scoreline, were no pushovers. They battled hard for every ball and Douglas will be expecting more of the same again from their hosts.

The Manx side welcome Glyn Hooson-Owen back after he opted out of the trip to Wales as precaution, while Craig Lea has joined the injured list but free-scoring centre convert Niall Killey should be available to add some bite in the backs. There won’t be too many changes to the Douglas line-up and Scott Goodall will hope his charges will bring home the points.

Douglas didn’t have fortune on their side and were a little sloppy against Oswestry and I’m sure all the players will not want another defeat which could increase the gap at the top even further.

The visitors just need that little bit of luck and to keep their heads on Saturday as Buxton are a strong outfit and will not roll over in their own back yard.

Douglas must front up to the opposition and take control of the game from the off. If they let Buxton get the front foot and go forward ball, then it could be a long day for the Manx side.

IOMA Group Bacchas A will be looking to secure the second leg of a league and cup double when they meet Celton Manx Celts at the NSC on Saturday afternoon in the final of the Wi-Manx Mixed Cup.

Karl Moore’s Bacchas side enjoyed a comfortable victory over Vikings A in the semi-finals and will begin this game as favourites.

Opponents Celts overcame Ramsey to book their place in the final but will need to be at their best if they are to cause an upset here.

Wi-Manx Mixed Plate

A close game is in prospect when HQ Harlequins A meet Manx Telecom Vikings C in the final of the Wi-Manx Mixed Plate.

Harlequins defeated league champions Valkyrs C to book their place in the final while Vikings were narrow victors over Ravens.

Peter Foxton’s Harlequins side have already defeated Vikings twice during the league season and will be confident of claiming the silverware here.

Wi-Manx Mixed Premier Division

Manx Telecom Vikings B meet CM Skye Ramsey A in the early fixture at QEII as they look to secure their Premier Division status.

Ian Perry’s Vikings side will know that anything other than victory could see them relegated.

Ramsey enjoyed victory over Vikings earlier in the season and will be confident of completing the double over their opponents.

Wi-Manx Mixed Division Two

CM Skye Ravens will be looking to end their season unbeaten when they meet CM Skye Rookies in the lunchtime fixture at the Grammar School.

Raj Nandha’s Ravens have been in great form this season and will be keen to maintain that form here. Rookies will be hoping to cause an upset and claim club bragging rights.

Wi-Manx Mixed Under-16s LEAGUE

A close game is in prospect when Manx Telecom Vikings meet IOMA Group Bacchas in the early fixture at the NSC.

Bacchas suffered defeat at the hands of Vikings earlier in the season but have been unbeaten in the last six games and will be aiming to extend that winning run here.

Vikings will be hoping to claim victory but will need to end a two-match losing streak if they are to trouble the Tromode side.

Saturday’s fixtures

Wi-Manx Mixed Cup

IOMA Group Bacchas A

v Celton Manx Celts NSC 2.05pm

Peter Foxton Andrea Kneen

Wi-Manx Mixed Plate

HQ Harlequins A

v Manx Telecom Vikings C NSC 12.35pm

Vic Ferns Garreth Roome

Wi-Manx Mixed Premier Division

Manx Telecom Vikings A

v IOMA Group Bacchas B NSC 3.35pm

John McCarrick Russell Miller

Manx Telecom Vikings B

v CM Skye Ramsey A QEII 11.05am

Jonathan Hull Iain Wrigley

Wi-Manx Mixed Division Two

CM Skye Rookies v CM Skye Ravens RGS 12.35pm

Helen Cave Rob McKenzie

Wi-Manx Mixed Under-16s League

Celton Manx Castletown

v Paragon Valkyrs CRHS 11.05am

Andy Bentley Mike Taylor

CM Skye Rascals v HQ Harlequins RGS 11.05am

Sandra Smith James Van Dort

Manx Telecom Vikings

v IOMA Group Bacchas NSC 11.05am

Ian Duggua Lindsay Riordan

A TEAM from Ballakermeen High School has shown it can make a good account of itself after scooping the regional heat of a national business competition.

Students from St Ninian’s High School came a close second in the contest at the Villa Marina, Douglas.

The Business Accounting and Skills Education (BASE) competition, now in its fifth year, offers participants an insight into a career as a chartered accountant.

Ballakermeen will now go on to compete in the national final, which takes place in Birmingham on Thursday June 27, 2013.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is running the competition.

Aimed at 16-18 year olds BASE links schools, students and employers together in a bid to, increase awareness of the profession and to develop desirable skills in the future workforce.

Assuming the role of chartered accountants, the students had just two hours to analyse, discuss and decide on the next steps of fictional organisations, before presenting their ideas to a panel of businesses professionals.

Nick Quayle, student officer for the Isle of Man Society of Chartered Accountants (IOMSCA), said: ‘The calibre of entrants was extremely high this year.

‘The judges were especially impressed with the level of business acumen the students showed, which if applied to careers in accountancy, will bode incredibly well for the future of the profession.

‘The team from Ballakermeen High School were very worthy winners and I’m sure they will do the Isle of Man proud in the national final.’

Ballakermeen beat off competition from five other local teams.

The winners of the national BASE competition will each receive £500 in addition to being invited to a winners’ day and lunch at Chartered Accountants Hall in London where they will participate in a professional employability skills workshop.

The national runners-up will each receive £100 and a professional employability skills workshop for their school.

For further information about BASE visit www.icaew.com/base. www.facebook.com/icaewbase

After Ramsey’s dramatic win at Ballafletcher just a few short weeks ago, the quirks of the fixture list mean that the the northerners face Vagabonds at Mooragh Park this Saturday in the pair’s final South Lancashire and Cheshire Division Two games of 2012.

Since their last meeting, the two Manx sides have both won two games and lost one.

Ramsey beat Liverpool Collegiate and Oldershaw at the Mooragh but were trounced away at Dukinfield.

Vagas beat Dukinfield and Marple but were outplayed away at Collegiate.

On paper, therefore, there is little to split the teams.

Their respective league positions are, however, quite a contrast. Ramsey are hovering precariously just outside the drop zone while Vagabonds are hovering ominously just outside the promotion places.

Away wins are hard to come by in this league though and it’s worth noting that Vagas have a better away record than they do at home.

Neither side are without injury or personnel problems though.

Vagas prop Kevin Birchall is sidelined following surgery on a knee and he is joined on the sicklist by Sams Cannell and Liver. Ramsey will be without Craig Long, Aneurin Pritchard, Dan Bonwick and John F. Watling, who are either injured or unavailable.

Vagas have, however, had a massive boost with the return of number eight Akkie Van Den Berg, whose control at the base of the scrum is excellent.

Aiden O’Shea may also return after a few weeks out.

Ramsey too may have some returning players. Ally Trace, Josh Carine, Henry Lord and Jarred Callister could all be back from university in time to make the squad.

In film history, it’s very rare to find a sequel that’s as good as the original and I suspect that will be the case here.

The weather forecast is a little indifferent and Vagas may just get their revenge.

Southern Nomads will look to get back to the top of the Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield standings this week when they take on Western Vikings at QEII on Saturday.

Nomads have been without a match for a couple of weeks and will be looking to reassert their dominance.

They will find the going tricky at QEII though. Vikings are a tough bunch and the little QEII pitch works well for them. Vikings are still feeling the after effects of a very tough game against Ramsey B last week and kicker Mark Venables joins skipper Mike Sheeley on the long-term injured list after breaking a rib and a shoulder.

Vikings did, however, turn down some kickable chances last Saturday even with Venables on the pitch and they’ll have to get that sorted if they want to beat Nomads. Expect a Nomads win here.

Elsewhere, Ramsey B take on Castletown at Ramsey Grammar School.

Ramsey were outplayed against Vikings and will want to end the year on a win. Some scrimmaging work will be needed first though as they were outmuscled by the Vikings eight for much of the game. More of the same can be expected from Dan James’s Castletown side who have a physical pack. If Ramsey can up their game from last week, they should win, but it’ll be tight.

Saturday’s Fixtures

South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two

Ramsey v Vagabonds @ Mooragh Park ko 2.15pm

Buxton v Douglas @ Buxton

Shimmin Wilson Manx Shield both ko @ 2.15pm

Western Vikings v Southern Nomads @ QEII

Ramsey B v C’town @ Ramsey Grammar School

THE Nativity story will be performed by the stars of the Manx Gateway Drama Group on Sunday.

‘The one thing that’s different this year is that for the first time ever the students will be reading the scripture lessons themselves,’ said Olga Gray, founder of the group and a household name in the island’s theatrical circles.

‘It’s always been the helpers who have read them before so this is another challenge for them but one they’ve really risen to.’

She added: ‘We have been over-awed at the results of their efforts, and I think they’ve grown about six inches since they realised they can do it. It’s something we never envisaged they could do as some of them never read so it has been a very big thing for them - another step forward.’

The performance, which is free to watch (with a retiring collection), will be held at 6.30pm in St Ninian’s Church in Douglas. Manx Gateway was set up four years ago with the aim of giving people with learning disabilities the opportunity to discover a means of self-expression and communication through drama and performing arts.

There are about 20 members, aged 16 to 60, with a wide range of abilities.

Olga said: ‘They are all delighted to be in their costumes and Mary’s been practising her lines’

This year Mary is played by Maria Kaighin and Joseph is played by Jack Leece. Rebecca Maller will take on the role of Angel Gabriel, Geoffrey Briscoe will be Herod, James Quilliam will be the soldier, Katie Toohey will be the innkeeper and Laura Oram will be the innkeeper’s wife.

Star Angel will be played by Julia Karran, Angel Peace will be played by Danielle Milligan and Angel Goodwill will be performed by Suzanne Woods.

The shepherds are Julie Hinstridge, Fiona Powley, Barry Faragher and Lian Milne.

Paul Clucas will be the Gold King, Amanda Jones will be the Frankinscence King and Sonia Plastead will be the Myrhh King while Anne Simpson and Amy Towler will be pages.

Narrators for the performance will be Hannah Cowell and Olga.

The evening will also include readings by Laura Oram, Paul Clucas, Danielle Milligan, Rebecca Maller, Julia Karran, Suzanne Woods and Katie Toohey. Jack Leece will read a prayer and there will be solos by Katie Toohey and Danielle Milligan. Carol Glover will welcome the audience, Rev. John Coldwell will offer a blessing and there will be music by organist John Riley and singing by his son Tim.

‘Among all the stress and pressures of Christmas, this is the one thing where the true meaning of Christmas is portrayed and you can’t buy that,’ concluded Olga.

Refreshments will be served after the play, courtesy of the church congregation.

Olga thanked all the ‘fabulous’ volunteers, the Manx community and St Ninian’s Church for their support. For more information about the group email olgagray@manx.net

IF you head west to the Centenary Centre in Peel on Sunday you will be in for a real Christmas treat.

As well as a craft market and tasty tea and cakes, you can sample the talents of Rachel Wild’s Performers Studio students.

The young singers, aged between four and 19, will be presenting a mixture of traditional carols combined with popular seasonal songs such as All I Want for Christmas is You, I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday and Oh Holy Night.

Teacher Rachel explained: ‘It is an all-singing show with dancers featured in a couple of songs. The students have been working on singing complex harmonies and solos for the last few months.

‘There will be many soloists performing a wide range of styles throughout, backed by about 80 students.

‘So it should be a charming and uplifting performance to get everyone in the Christmas mood, not forgetting the lovely Christmas craft fair and market in the Atholl Room which will have gifts, cakes and treats for all.’

The market is open from 12-5 and is free entry.

The show will be performed between 2pm and 3pm and then again between 5pm and 6pm.

Tickets cost £7 and include a glass of mulled wine.

There are only a handful of tickets left so grab them quickly!

They can be bought at Celtic Gold in Peel or Corlett’s Jewellers in Douglas.

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a Miranda Dickinson book...

To be honest, the festive season doesn’t much feature in When I Fall In Love despite its snow-covered jacket, but as a glass of mulled wine infuses warmth and good cheer and a classic Christmas movie evokes laughter and tears, so her sparkling stories bear tidings of comfort and joy.

Yes, the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in a feelgood story that endows the same glow as cuddling up in front of a log fire as we are whisked away to sunny Brighton or, more specifically, a beachfront retro ice cream parlour with the wonderful name of Sundae and Cher.

It’s here that we find Elsie Maynard, the young assistant manager, whose past woes are about to come in for some fairytale treatment... but first she has to overcome the rather vexing problem of being caught leaving the local chemist shop without paying for her goods.

Just as well then that Prince Charming, alias well-cut businessman Torin Stewart, happens to be walking by to rescue her but a pity that the stolen items are some rather unromantic pile ointment and ear wax remover (for her dad, she would hasten to add!)

But Torin isn’t the only new man in her life... there’s also Woody Jensen, former member of 80s rock group Hellfinger who talent spots the musical Elsie when she gives an impromptu performance at the ice cream parlour and persuades her to help him form a local choir.

And then there’s the irresistible attractions of designer Olly Hogarth, a handsome hunk who seems intent on winning her heart.

It’s all a big sea change for Elsie whose ‘happy ever after’ was suddenly and painfully taken away from her eighteen months ago. She is slowly daring to live – and date – again and making her way through a bitter-sweet ‘List’ of things she must do.

Meanwhile, we get to know Elsie’s wonderful dad Jim, a Brighton businessman more at home in combat shirt and bright orange Doc Marten boots than a smart suit, her headstrong older sisters Guin and Daisy, and her larger-than-life boss Cher Pettinger.

And the choir, a very contemporary outfit and now sporting the rather fruity moniker The Sundaes, is going from strength to strength.

At long last, Elsie believes she is making the most of her life, but then a heartfelt request takes her to Paris – and the final item on her very important List. Can Elsie take that big step and lay her past to rest?

Once again Dickinson spreads her special stardust over a tale of everyday folk whose trials and tribulations get a magical makeover, providing chicklit fans with a spellbinding feast of fun and a welcome escape from the winter cold.

She weaves the threads of her characters’ lives and stories into one big beautiful patchwork quilt, reflecting colour and real emotional depth but also stuffed to the corners with music, comedy and romance.

Written with warmth, subtlety and imagination, and all neatly packaged with her trademark care and affection, When I Fall In Love is the perfect way to ring in the Christmas season.

(Avon, paperback, £6.99)

WELL we didn’t sit down, shut up or even grow up as we drank in the talents of punk folk singer Frank Turner on his return to the island at the beginning of this month.

Disappointing ticket sales did nothing to lessen the electric atmosphere in the Villa’s Royal Hall or to dampen the fever of those die hard fans who, for a couple of hours, were in total musical heaven.

On the solo leg of his biggest British tour, Frank came out onto the stage without fanfare and drum roll.

In fact the 30-year-old was almost in the centre of the stage before people stopped their chatter mid-flow and immediately gravitated towards their hero.

Understated, he stood alone with his guitar, his tattoos and the remnants of Movember on his face.

But that was all he needed to command the attention of the diverse audience as they circled around him like kids mesmerised by a glowing campfire storyteller.

With his dimpled grin he launched straight into the beautiful riffs of folk track Rivers from the 2011 album England Keep My Bones.

A true story teller, he effortlessly winds his emotive lyrics around his devotees like a spell.

Other recent hits included Wessex Boy and the much-loved stompingly contagious I Still Believe which claims rock ‘n’ roll as the answer to everything.

He went on to reveal a few new creations from the album he has just finished recording in LA.

These included Wherefore Art Thou Gene Simmons, a song inspired by the Kiss guitarist who claims to have slept with 4,600 women.

And to appease lovers of his earlier stuff he threw out Dan’s Song, during which the audience played an ‘air’ harmonica cameo, before directing us ‘to the north, to the north’ with The Road, both from Poetry of the Deed, 2009.

He then delved even deeper with the rebelious Photosynthesis (Love Ire & Song, 2008) and A Decent Cup of Tea from his 2007 debut solo record Sleep is for the Week.

Delivering a good mix of high-energy fire-in-your-belly punk rock and delicate English folk ballads, Frank proved to his followers they know a good thing when they see it.

With innate talent, he is a legend in the making.

His gig, as always, was inspirational, gritty and just made you want to grab the world by the balls.

And the modest Eton-educated singer caused an even greater stir when he greeted fans in the foyer after his set.

• Support for the night was UK singer-songwriter Jim Lockey who impressed the crowd with his one-man country/punk rhythms.

YOU are invited to enjoy an evening of opera with some of the island’s finest singers this weekend.

A Magical Night of Opera will take place at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin at 7.30pm tomorrow (Saturday).

It will feature a selection of favourite opera arias, duets, trios and ensembles pieces.

Plus lots for the audience to hum along to, including pieces by Mozart, Puccini, Bernstein, Gershwin, Bizet and others.

Performing will be well-known island favourites Olivia Black (soprano), Mandy Griffin (mezzo), Denise Groenewald (contralto), Tim Riley (tenor), Niall Howell-Evans (baritone) and Paul Costain (bass).

They will be accompanied on the piano by Patricia Cullen.

Patricia has recently recorded a CD of her own songs entitled Departures with Isle of Man based singer, Kim Brown.

And she is currently working on a new musical – Pathway to the Sun which it is hoped will be premiered in the island next year.

Tickets for the concert cost £10 or £1 for under-18s.

They are available from the Erin Arts Centre box office on 832662. The centre is open Tuesday to Friday between 1.30pm and 4.30pm and 30 minutes before events.

www.erinartscentre.com

REINS are forecast this weekend when Douglas Borough Council’s Santa trams make their festive way along Douglas promenade.

This year’s special illuminated festive trams will be officially launched by the Mayor of Douglas David Ashford at the Strathallan terminus at 10am tomorrow (Saturday). The 2012 service will operate on both Saturday and Sunday, departing each day from the Strathallan terminus at 10am, 10.40am, 11.20am, 1pm, 1.40pm, 2.20pm, 3pm and 3.40pm.

Tickets are on sale from the borough treasurer’s counter at the Douglas Town Hall or by calling 696344. They remain at the 2011 price – £7.50 for adults and children. Children under two, accompanied by an adult, travel for free.

Tickets include refreshments, donated by the Shoprite Group, in the Strathallan Suite, a visit to Santa’s grotto and a gift.