IT'S Christmas and the relatives are gathering in force - not to mention two hysterical, incontinent cats, and a small flatulent demented dog.

Long buried resentments of family feuds rear their ugly heads, the plumbing goes up the spout and the turkey does a runner. Sound like a typical family Christmas?

Come and compare it with yours with St James Players' production of Comfort and Joy by Mike Harding, with a cast of ten that includes their director and actor Brian Wellock.

This is a hilarious seasonal comedy that runs at St James' School, Lanehead, from December 1 to December 4.

For tickets, priced at £5, call 01282 415666 (daytime), or 01282 429797 (evening). It will also be possible to pay on the door.

ROBINSON Crusoe is being performed by Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre on Thursday, November 18, to Saturday, November 20.

A FARCE by Ray Cooney, 'caught in the net' is Blackburn Drama Club's December play running from Wednesday, December 1, until Saturday, December 4, nightly at 7.30pm at the Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn. For tickets (£6) call 01254 680137.

THE Water Babies will be performed by Burnley youth Theatre at Burnley Mechanics on December 17 and 18. For tickets call 01282 664400.

INSPECTOR Drake and the Time Machine Blackburn Arts Club production, Club theatre, Gibralter Street, Blackburn, November 23 to November 27.

DOROTHY Bruce School of Dance presents Robinson Crusoe on November 18, 19 and 20 at 7.15pm with a sunnday matinee at 2.15pm at the Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre.