Glusburn Youth Theatre blasts into the 21st century next month with the pantomime The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe.

And although there are 50 children in the show, there is still "space" for the audience at Glusburn Institute!

Despite a rocket lending a futuristic flavour to the panto, the traditional family show also harks back to the past.

Linda Blenkhorn, Glusburn's new producer, is using a script she wrote several years ago for the Cononley pantomime. The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe -- running from February 14-22 -- features an all-child cast aged between four and 17.

Linda has taken along collaborators from her previous pantomimes, including husband Donald and sons Robert and Stuart. Much of the equipment and costumes also featured in past Cononley pantos and also made the trip over the hill to Glusburn Institute.

The stage manager remains Peter Seward, while several parents are building sets and special effects.

Linda found it challenging to work with an all-child cast, but says the youngsters have worked hard and been fun to work with. She says: "Being aware that Glusburn panto is steeped in tradition, was also a challenge.

"The legendary flying ballet sequence has been retained, but is only a small part of the production and the performances of the cast are to be commended.

"I hope the audience will marvel at the sets and special effects, and the spectacular costumes that have been made for the principals." The Old Woman Who Lived in Shoe is staged every evening at 7pm (except February 16 and 20), plus both Saturdays at 2.30pm.

Tickets are on sale at Glusburn Post Office.

Pictured above - Amber Thorn, Danny Olsson, Kavansa Booth and Kevin McKeown in rehearsals for the Glusburn panto.

n The music of Mozart provides the backdrop for a "bold and provocative" production from Northern Ballet Theatre.

Requiem begins a new season at the Grand Theatre, Leeds, but also includes musicals, opera and nostalgia.

Requiem was originally set to music in 1991 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Mozart's death. Award-winning choreographer Birgit Scherzer explored death's ultimate hold over people and society's destructive effect on modern man. The production is full of symbolism, with items such as a suitcase, umbrella and shoe aiding the study of man's relationship with death. The show, featuring a 50-strong choir, is staged from February 15-22.

Toyah Willcox plays the title role in the Wild West musical Calamity Jane from March 3-8, which features songs like Windy City and Secret Love.

The LAOS amateur operatic society performs the tap-dancing musical 42nd Street from March 11-15.

Cliff Richard's film musical Summer Holiday comes to the stage from May 12-17 with songs such as Bachelor Boy, Livin' Doll and Do You Wanna Dance.

The cult musical The Rocky Horror Show returns from May 19-24 to celebrate 30 years of touring the country.

Acclaimed ballet choreographer Matthew Bourne stages his new version of the Nutcracker to Tchaikovsky's music from April 21-26.

Bizet's popular opera Carmen is staged from May 6-10, including a 26-strong Spanish band and a white stallion.

Northern Ballet Theatre returns from June 3-7 with its dance-drama version of Emily Bront's novel Wuthering Heights.

Book tickets at Keighley Information Centre in the town hall, or phone 0113 222-6222.

n February at Burnley Mechanics: folk-rock and Fairport Convention (Tuesday 7.30pm); Queen tribute band Mercury (Saturday 8pm); musicals show Beyond Broadway (14). Book on 01282 664400.

n The Gospel of Matthew is brought to life in a "vivid and shocking" new translation restoring the direct impact of the original language. Ancient and modern beliefs clash in the Bible story, on Thursday, at 7.30pm, in Bradford's Theatre in the Mill. Phone 01274 233200 for details.

n Eleanor Bron and Sally Bradshaw present songs and readings exploring Englishmen's many moods of love, next Saturday at the Square Chapel, in Halifax. Love and the English features words of Anne Boleyn and Charles Darwin, swing and art songs, and music by Gracie Fields and Purcell. Phone 01422 349422.

n English Chamber Orchestra performs the Brandenburg Concerto No 3, plus Handel, Schubert and Grieg, at St George's Hall, Bradford, next Friday, at 7.30pm. Book at Keighley Information Centre or phone 01274 432000.

n Children and adults from a Keighley dance school present a show at Bingley Arts Centre this weekend.

The 78 members of the Lynn Baglio School of Dance perform tonight and tomorrow at 7.30pm.

Book tickets on 01535 607602.

n Back to Jack is a tribute to the piano blues of Champion Jack Dupree, with local and international performers, on February 14, at the Viaduct Theatre, Dean Clough, Halifax. Phone 01422 255266 for tickets.