MENTION the name Lynn Schofield and stage shows at the Grand Theatre in Lancaster spring to mind....

But this time the actress has added her own spice to the festive season - by penning her own version of a favourite pantomime.

After playing a part at the Grand Theatre for 23 years, Lynn decided it was time for a fresh challenge and set to work - coming up with a new script for Cinderella in just 10 weeks.

Lynn, no stranger to pantomime, says it made a pleasant change to write and direct the show as opposed to playing the 'idiot'.

"People usually know me from being in the productions and I usually play the idiot part," laughs Lynn.

"Writing the panto and putting it together has been hard work but really enjoyable. Most of the time, when writing it, I would burn the midnight oil and never realised the time because I enjoyed what I was doing so much."

But despite the pleasure she got from writing, Lynn says the stage is where she belongs.

"I would do it again and it will be nice to see the thing finally performed with costumes - I am sure that I will have a tear in my eye when I see the final thing," she says..

"Acting is not something that I have loads of qualifications in, although I have an O-level in drama, but I have loved acting since I was a little girl and have just carried it on.

"I have learned the trade from putting it into practice and I have just developed my skills on the job."

Cinderella - which is being performed nightly at the Grand Theatre until Boxing Day - is also a bit of a family affair with Lynn's husband taking the reigns as the stage manager and daughter Wendy in the chorus.

For more details and to book tickets, call 01524-64695.