ROALD Dahl's classic tale The Witches is expected to enchant theatregoers young and old alike in Netherton as Christmas nears.

Dudley Little Theatre stars will be bringing to life the much-loved fantasy tale, about a young boy who stumbles upon a real life witch convention, at Netherton Arts Centre, Northfield Road, from Thursday December 8 to Saturday December 11.

Evening performances start at 7.30pm and there'll be matinee shows on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 2.30pm.

Harry Clee, aged 13, plays the young boy, while Julie Bywater stars as the Grand High Witch (played by Anjelica Houston in the 1990 hit film).

Rehearsals for the show are already well underway - and on November 12 costume-clad cast members gave members of the public at Dudley Library a taster of what to expect.

Meanwhile - schoolchildren have been invited to design to design an outfit for one of the witches in the play which will be made-up and worn by one of the cast in the show.

The winner of the costume will be invited to appear on stage for the curtain call at their chosen performance - and all entries will be displayed at Netherton Arts Centre while the play is running.

Tickets are priced £8 (standard), £7 (concessions) and they are available on 01384 872583, 07582 318017 or 07954 424555 or online from www.dudleylittletheatre.org.

Group bookings will qualify for a 10 per cent discount.