Witty Whittington sees return of tots’ TV star to Theatre Royal stage

Dick Whittington follows the adventures of the hero, played by Will Breckin, who travels to London to make his fortune.

There he encounters the villainous King Rat, played by John Curriva, and he and new feline friend Tommy, Aaron Hunt, begin to rid their new friends of the pests.

And returning again this year is CBeebies star and Wakefield panto favourite Chris Hannon as the flirtatious and feisty Sarah the Cook.

The cast is also joined by Jodie Steele as love interest Alice, Alistair Higgins as Idle Jack, Philippa Hogg as Fairy Bowbells and James Dinsmore as Alderman Fitzwarren.

Director Rhiannon Hannon said: “We are very proud of our pantomime at Theatre Royal Wakefield and we stick closely to a narrative-led traditional panto with lots of laughs. We will engage a professional cast of eight and a chorus of 24 young people from the local community, many of whom have trained within our in house Performance Academy.

“Our Dame, Chris Hannon is returning for his sixth year and has proved a real hit with our audiences here, with a manic energy and wicked asides. Dick Whittington looks set to be ridiculous fun with rapping rats, flipping cats and some outrageous costumes.”

Musical Director Jim Lunt added: “Dick Whittington is a great example of a classic art form that’s cross-generational in its appeal – entertaining everyone from ages two to 102. The music we’ve used draws on everything from classic musical theatre to the latest up-to-date chart hits and even the John Lewis ad.”

Dick Whittington opened last night and runs until Sunday January 3.

To book tickets call Box Office on 01924 211 311 or go to www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk