PANTOMIME will be brought into the 21st-Century when The Little Mermaid and the Pirates opens at the Alban Arena on Saturday. It will involve state-of-the-art 3D projection and animation and with the help of 3D glasses, some of the characters will come to

PANTOMIME will be brought into the 21st-Century when The Little Mermaid and the Pirates opens at the Alban Arena on Saturday.

It will involve state-of-the-art 3D projection and animation and with the help of 3D glasses, some of the characters will come to life in front of the eyes of the audience.

Based on the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, the pantomime features all the traditional elements but with plenty more besides.

Rehearsals have been underway in a secret location and Buster who is playing Long John Silver said the cast was getting on like house on fire.

"The cast and crew are already getting on really well and we have been able to laugh at each other which is making the rehearsal process much easier."

Ticket sales for The Little Mermaid, which stars Sarah Jane Honeywell from children's TV, are at an all-time high. They cost �15 full price but there are concessions available from the Alban Arena box office on 01727 844488 or go to www.alban-arena.co.uk

The pantomime runs until Sunday, January 3.