Think it’s too early to start thinking about Christmas? Oh, no it isn’t!

Pantomime fever has already arrived in Maidstone, with preparations being made in earnest ahead of this winter’s showpiece event.

This weekend will see auditions held for roles in the performance including an array of dancers as well as the seven dwarfs themselves, with some 700 people already pre-registering their interest.

In total there will be 64 performances of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, running between November 30 and New Year’s Eve.

Among the stars headlining the cast this year are Ben James-Ellis from BBC talent show Any Dream Will Do, and Francine Lewis, who shot to fame doing impressions on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

There is a new venue for the show, too, with performances taking place at the purpose-built 900-seater ‘super theatre’ at the Aylesford Friars event space, off the High Street.

As well as the shows, there will be a winter village with free entry and parking, where visitors can enjoy an ice rink, classic fairground rides and food and drink stalls.

Producer Danny Wright said: “We always try and go for the ‘wow factor’ in our shows and after a great performance at Maidstone Studios last year we’re looking to go bigger and better.

“We’ve got an LED mirror and some more special effects which will be similar to last year, plus a really talented cast.

“There were only 42 shows last year so we’ve put more on this time to help meet the demand.

“There are lots of traditional pantos out there but we like to think of ours as a more modern show.”

Auditions are being held at Ditton Community Centre in Kiln Barn Road on Sunday.

Judges will cast dancers aged between six and ten from 9am to 11am, then will cast the role of dwarfs from 11.30am to 1pm, dancers aged between 11 and 14 from 1.30pm and 3pm and dancers aged 15 and over from 3.30pm to 5pm.

Tickets to the panto cost from £20, with concessions from £18. Family tickets from £70. Visit thelittleboxoffice.com.