BROMYARD'S Conquest Players are preparing for their pantomime Humpty Dumpty, a story revolving around the exploits of the famous nursery rhyme egg.

The play is set in the town of Eggsville, where everything is fine and the King remains in power as long as Humpty stays on his wall.

But the evil sorceress Belladonna Henbane encourages him to fall off the wall. The kingdom is in danger and the faithful king's men, Corporal Eggwhite and Sergeant Eggyolk, are determined to save it.

With a prince and princess, the good fairy Mrs Mistletoe and palace cook dame Olive Omlette, the ensuing plot involves thrills and spills before order is restored to Eggsville.

Director Eddie Coleman said he was very much looking forward to the show.

"The panto is a children's delight and although I'm 67 I'm still a child at heart," he said.

Fourteen-year-old Ellie Scott, from Bredenbury, is playing Humpty Dumpty.

"I've been in loads of plays before but I've never been an egg," she said.

"I like being a bit mean, I didn't know Humpty Dumpty was going to be a nasty character."

Mr Coleman promises the audience loads of 'eggscellent' jokes, dancers from the Worcester Star Stage School of Dancing performing and a wintery scene created with a snow machine donated to the theatre by Nick Wall, of the Crown and Sceptre.

Humpty Dumpty will be at the Conquest from January 21 to January 31. Tickets are £7 (concessions £6) and are available from the box office on 01885 488575. E-mail enquiries to conquest@bromyard.co.uk.