The streets of London may be paved with gold but you don’t have to go that far to see Tamworth’s finest 2008 pantomime, DICK WHITTINGTON, which runs at The Assembly Rooms this Christmas!

Leading the cast of this year’s fun packed panto as always is Tamworth’s top song and dance cabaret artist, Glen Chevannes in the role of Dick. The sensational Victoria Gordon will be playing the love struck Alice Fitzwarren. Victoria has made quite a name for herself in recent years with her fantastic abilities as a leading lady and songstress. Dick Whittington’s magical cat is played by the fabulous dancer Laura Doyle.

Starring as the wicked King Rat is our favourite villain Terry Batham, with his host of ratlings. But this year the audience will be in for a double helping of villainry as Captain Blackheart, played by Ian Gibbons also plots against the hero. The dastardly Capt. Blackheart is assisted in his capers by the cutest cabin pirate you ever saw, in the guise of Pipsqueak played by Emily Pitts (7).

Joining them in the comic capers will be Alex Farrell as the hapless Idle Jack assisted by the love of his life, so she says, Lizzy played by Olivia Shepherd and Lee Bates as the comic dame, Nigella Noodles. Lee has quickly established himself as a hilarious comic actor, this being his third year in panto. Lynda Jackson will be playing Lucrezia Fitzwarren, who constantly nags her husband Alderman Fitzwarren, played by Eamonn Burns.

Dicks plight looks to be in jeopardy, but for the magic and charm of Queen Cat played by Tina McBain and her catlings who will be on hand to sort out the evil antics of King Rat and Captain Blackheart.

The Steps Dance Studio will again be providing their own brand of excellent dancing routines to bring that essential glamour to the streets of Old London Town.

This years pantomime has been especially written and is being Directed by Tamworth’s top author and playwright, John Garforth who has a magnificent pedigree. John wrote many of the Avengers books to accompany the TV series in the 60’s.

Said publicity spokesman Ian Gibbons ‘I think we have all the ingredients right for a fabulous production again this year. Dick Whittington is a superb tale with all the boo’s and hisses and cheers in the right places. The cast is fantastic and the script is perfect for this family show. We look forward to seeing friends old and new at the Assembly Rooms in December.

Tickets are now on sale at the Tamworth Tourist Information Centre, Market Street, Tamworth. Telephone 01827 709618.