COLOURFUL costumes, dazzling dance routines and spectacular songs are just some of the highlights of a new pantomime opening in Bromsgrove next month.

More than a thousand people are set to cram into the NewSong Community Church, in Sidemoor, to see one of the six performances of Dick Whittington.

The thigh-slapping fun will open next Wednesday, February 5, running until Sunday with tickets for most performances already sold out.

Senior minister of the church Peter Billingham said: "We were originally only going to put on four shows, but because tickets sold so quickly we decided to put on another couple of shows. They have nearly sold out now. The response has been utterly astounding."

The traditional pantomime of Dick Whittington and his cat stars around 60 talented townsfolk as well as 30 children. A further 30 people make-up the show's chorus.

The Broad Street church found nearly all of its star players within the Sidemoor community following a Panto Idol style audition, advertised in leisure pages of this paper.

Peter said that about 130 people came along to the audition and the church's musical directors were astonished at the wealth of talent.

Programming director Maggie Bishton said: "Our community panto has seen many talented people from the local community get involved with this event."

Peter added later: "Building a heart for the community is a key theme here at NewSong."

Performances are at 7pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There is also a Saturday matinee at 1.30pm and a Sunday show at 4pm.

There is only a handful of tickets. For further details call the church on 01527 579150.