What is believed to be a ground-breaking experiment in Pantomimes takes place this Christmas when for the first time ever no soap stars will be taking any of the leading roles. A spokesperson for the Theatre Arts Group  said he thought audiences were beginning to tire of famous faces just going through the motions and picking up a fat cheque at the end of the run. `People want committed actors and actresses in what are, after all, very demanding roles, and I`m afraid over the last few years  these so-called stars have not been putting their hearts and souls into their parts`
    Mr Jack Furniss, Chairman of the Out-Of-Work Actors Guild, said he was delighted with the news. `Perhaps now some of our members, many of whom have not worked in the industry for a number of years will be tempted to go along to the auditions. 
    It is understood the soap stars may still be allowed on stage, but only as the front or rear end of a pantomime horse. However the spokesman said he did not think there would be many takers.
    When asked how he felt about this daring new turn of events,  a huge rabbit standing outside Sainsburys said he was absolutely thrilled.