THE pantomime season is almost upon us

again and this year's will be a landmark for Worcester.

Dick Whittington, which opens on Tuesday, December 9, will be the first panto at the revamped Swan Theatre since it was taken over by Huntingdon Arts and it will be one of the only times the theatre has a say in the show's artistic direction.

As a result, local performers will be singing and dancing while Worcester's Richard Swerrun, one-time star of Oklahoma and West Side Story in London's West End, is directing and co-producing.

His cast includes Isla St Clair, most famous for appearing on The Generation Game in the 1970s but also an accomplished folk singer, Paul Tate as the pantomime dame and Fernhill Heath's Ann Mayor as Rat King. Swerrun himself is the title character.

"It's an absolutely superb cast and we've had the script specially written for their strengths," revealed Swerrun.

"The kids will enjoy it with the rest of the family because there is so much in there with songs and dancing."

Meanwhile, Isla St Clair is eager to tread the boards and entertaining the children.

"I'll be doing some singing and I can muster a few dance steps, although I'm no Ginger Rogers," said the Scot.

"People who perhaps never go to the theatre usually make time at Christmas for the panto. It is a very nice part of our Christmas tradition."

Performances take place at various times, including matinees, during the run from December 9 to Sunday, December 28. Tickets cost £8 for under-16s and £13 for adults. The box office is on 01905 611427.