Panto in the spring time

Pickering Musical Society is preparing for an unusual pantomime season this year. After having had to postpone their production of Dick Whittington back in January due to COVID, the show has been moved to May, and will be the first time in 100 years that the Society has performed a pantomime in spring.

The production follows the well known story of Dick Whittington and his cat Tom, as they travel to London to seek their fortune.

We join the story just as Dick meets a local girl, Alice, and is given a job by her father Alderman FitzFlintoft in his ironmonger's shop. The plot then follows the trials and tribulations of Dick's quest to make his fortune, marry Alice and become Lord Mayor of London. Trying to prevent him succeeding is the evil Queen Rat, played by Maureen Symonds, and her despicable associate Uriah Underhand, played by society newcomer John Brookes in his first role with the company.

Audiences can expect the usual hilarity and slapstick comedy from Marcus Burnside as Dame Hilda Humbug, and comedy double act Paula Paylor as Lily Law and Stephen Temple as Idle Jack. Dick is played by Danielle Long and Alice FitzFlintoft by Rosie Hodgson; both former members of the Society's Youth Theatre. Also returning will be the wonderful dancers from Sarah-Louise Ashworth's School of Dance.

The pantomime is written by past Society Life Member Ron Hall and is being directed by Luke Arnold. Luke has directed and produced many of the Society's musicals over the past decade, and this will be his sixth pantomime.

Luke said: “It's been a difficult time for the theatre and Pickering Musical Society, and I am just so pleased we are able to reopen with a pantomime, as whatever the time of year, I know we all love to laugh and be entertained. Please do come along and show your support to the Society, our local performers and our wonderful theatre.”

The performances will take place at the Kirk Theatre in Pickering. The theatre had to close in January due to Covid and Dick Whittington marks the full reopening of the venue.

Dick Whittington opens on Friday, May 13 and runs until Sunday, May 22, with matinee performances on both Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are priced from £13 and are available from the Kirk Theatre Box Office on 01751 474833 or online at www.kirktheatre.co.uk

* The Gazette & Herald has a family ticket (two adults and two children) for the opening night on Friday, May 13, to giveaway.

Just answer the following question and email gazette@gazetteherald.co.uk with your name, address and a contact number.

Which panto is Pickering Musical Society performing?

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