CAST and crew members of the Bishopswood panto took to the stage determined the show must go on following the sudden death of stalwart Heather Osley.

Mrs Osley, who was co-director and stage manager of the bi-annual show, died suddenly aged 49 in the last week of rehearsals for Dick Whittington.

Cast member Carol Pimblett said: “The whole cast and crew were left in complete shock.

“But, assured by Heather’s family that she would have insisted ‘the show must go on’, with their bravery, encouragement and blessing we continued with the show.

“The final dress rehearsal performed on the day of her passing was very emotional for all involved and drew an already close ‘panto family’ closer still.

“As with the previous three pantos, Heather had been heavily involved behind the scenes and would encourage us all in our performances, reassure our self doubts and constantly remind us all to ‘sing loud and keep smiling’.

“This we did with pride and in dedication to her memory.

“She will be sorely missed in any future pantomimes, but most of all, she will be missed as a great friend to us all – throughout the village of Bishopswood and beyond.

“The pantomime was a huge success, with lots of positive comments, feedback and Facebook posts.

Mrs Osley leaves a husband, Neil, and four children.