Oldham Coliseum Does Dick Whittington

For those of you in search of some good old fashioned family entertainment this Christmas, Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s traditional pantomime may be just the ticket. The theatre has a great reputation for Pantos and this year they are staging Dick Whittington.

He and his trusty cat are off to London to seek their fame and fortune. But can Dick defeat the evil King Rat? Will he marry his love Alice? Will he become the mayor of London? And – most importantly – what will the Dame wear?

The show is written by Fine Time Fontayne – the Coliseum’s regular dame – who will also be donning an apron as Sarah the Cook. Joining him is the star of Hollyoaks and recently Coronation Street – Andonis Anthony as King Rat.

It may lack massive celebrity names like Pamela Anderson and Henry Winkler but the essential elements for a great panto are there – time honoured traditions like the slosh scene; the transformation and the inevitable wedding and walk-down – plus all the favourite characters: Principal Boy; evil villain and, of course, the Dame. Add a collection of songs both current and classic and you know you’re in for a fantastic evening of pure entertainment.

If you have kids and they love getting involved, children in the audience also get chance to take to the stage by taking part in the traditional song sheet.

The show is directed by Kevin Shaw, with set design by Celia Perkins and the cast also includes Justine Elizabeth Bailey (Dick Whittington) and Liz Carney (Fairy Bowbells).

Dick Whittington runs at the Oldham Coliseum from 26 November, 2011 – 14 January, 2012.