CAST members are promising the first pantomime at the revamped Swan Theatre will be a spectacular - oh yes they are!

A mixture of professional stars, dancers and Worcester amateurs will be providing songs, dances and comedy when Dick Whittington begins its run on December 9.

Star attraction will be Isla St Clair, the former co-host of the Generation Game, the hit TV show in the 1970s.

She will play Fairy Bow-bells and will be joined onstage by Worcester residents Richard Swerrun, taking the lead role, and Ann Mayor as Rat King.

"The children are going to enjoy it along with all the family. There's so much in there with songs and dancing," said Mr Swerrun, who is also directing the show. "It's great fun and fantastic for the kids."

Chris Jaeger, director of Huntingdon Arts, which took over the running of the Swan earlier this year, described the show as a "landmark" in the theatre's recovery and comeback.

"Hopefully, it will be financial help as well. Traditionally, pantomimes are one of the few areas that are profitable for a theatre.

"We are actively involved in the process of choosing the show, hiring the actors, making financial decisions and having an input artistically.

"That's rather different from our normal productions where we don't have a say on artist decisions.

"If the audience knows that this is a Swan production they are watching, and they are impressed, there is a reasonable expectation that they will come again next year. You try and build on something like that.

"It's tough getting going, and there aren't large amounts of money about. Having a good panto and getting a few pounds in the bank is very much part of the way forward for the Swan's recovery."

The show runs from December 9 until December 28. Tickets cost £8 for under-16s and £13 for adults. The box office is on 01905 611427.