Cast members from the hit show Starlight Express took time out from rehearsals at Oxford's New Theatre to give next week's Santa's Little Film Club a boost.

The club, at the OFS Studio in George Street, aims to provide a Christmas lifeline to harassed parents getting on with shopping.

The club runs from Tuesday to Sunday and is open to six- to 12-year-olds. Neil White, company manager of Starlight Express, which is at the New Theatre until January 5, said: "We're really pleased to get behind this film club - what's better than to avoid the Christmas rush by having the opportunity to drop your kids off and shop alone?

"If any parent would like to do my shopping as well, it'll be greatly appreciated!"

Kerry Arnold, assistant marketing manager for the OFS Studio, also known as the Old Fire Station, said: "We've had so many inquiries about this film club, it's been brilliant.

OFS spokesman Joel Barnett added: "All you have to do is leave your children with us so they can enjoy the best children Christmas films - while you face the festive rush alone.

"And if they don't want to watch Shrek, Muppet Christmas Carol or The Polar Express - to name just a few of the yuletide favourites we'll be screening - then they can let their energy burst into life by participating in a whole series of fun, seasonal activities that we will be staging upstairs."

Santa's Little Film Club is open Tuesday to Friday from 4pm until 7pm, and from 11am to 2pm on the Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets cost £4.50 for each child, which includes a goodie bag, a copy of that day's Oxford Mail, and free entry to New Theatre competitions. They can be purchased in advance or on the door. For more details, go to www.OFSstudio.org.uk, and to book tickets call 0186 297170.