PERFORMING a big role is no small achievement for a group of Macclesfield children who are soon to be starring in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Christmas has come early for the youngsters hand-picked at auditions for the high-profile roles as the dwarfs in the popular pantomime, at Buxton Opera House this winter.

Five kids, aged between eight and ten, from across the borough were selected as the stars.

A total of 14 youngsters will be playing the seven dwarfs on alternate nights, so they don’t get too tired. But an impressive five – Oliver Quinn, Riley Hibbert, Isabel Bowyer, Beth Whomsley and Emily Garlick – are from the Macclesfield area.

Oliver, eight, of Western Avenue, who attends Gawsworth School, said: "I’m really looking forward to being a dwarf, but I think it could be a bit scary. They gave me a poem to read for the audition and it was quite nerve-wracking."

He will be joined on stage by his sister Sophie, ten, who is in the dance chorus. She said: "I really like dancing. I do jazz, ballet and tap after school. I’m excited about wearing lots of different outfits on stage. I would like to be an actress when I grow up."

Another of the stars is Riley, eight, of Nicholas Avenue, Hurdsfield. His dad Anthony said: "He is playing ‘Forgetful’, it’s very apt really, but at least he’ll have an excuse if he doesn’t remember his lines on the night!"

Riley, who goes to Hollinhey School and loves Johnny Depp films, said: "I go to acting school at Macclesfield Stagecoach and my mum and dad read in the paper about the auditions so I went along. I’m not nervous about being on a big stage because I was chosen out of the audience to go up on stage during last year’s pantomime. I can’t wait!"

Rainow schoolgirl Isabel, ten, is playing ‘Mona’. She said: "I’m looking forward to it. I really enjoy acting and my favourite actress is Billie Piper, I would like to be on a TV programme like Doctor Who."

Macclesfield’s up-and-coming talent will be in action from Wednesday, December 12, until Tuesday, January 1. Tickets, priced £12 to £17.50, are available on 0845 1272190.