MALVERN actor Richard Swerrun is returning to the place where he first trod the boards in the starring role in a pantomime.

Mr Swerrun takes the title role in Dick Whittington, the first pantomime at The Swan theatre in Worcester since it came under the management of the city's Huntingdon Hall.

Although Dick Whittington will be his 20th pantomime, this particular production holds extra significance for him.

"My first-ever performance took place at The Swan, when I was fifteen years old, so I am delighted to play the lead role here this Christmas," he said, "It is also wonderful to be so near to home at this time of year. Pantomimes are always magical, but this one will be extra special for me."

The entirely new version of the traditional tale is written by actor Paul Tate, who will appear as the dame in the show, which also stars singer Isla St Clair.

Mr Swerrun is a regular performer at the Malvern Theatres. He premiered his own Richard Swerrun Cabaret there in 2000, following his success as Aladdin in pantomime the previous year.

He has starred in a number of West End musicals including Oklahoma and West Side Story, but is probably most well known for his starring role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, which toured for three years.

He is also co-founder of Merlin Productions, which launched The Merlin Youth Theatre Project to produce a number of plays and musicals touring nationally.

The pantomime will run from Decem-ber 9-28. Tickets and information are available from the box office on 01905 611427.