WELLINGTON Pantomime Group will be performing ‘Dick Whittington’ at the Wellesley Theatre in January next year.

The show has been cast and rehearsals begin shortly. Maddie David is playing the title role and for the second time in recent months she will be alongside Nicole Heritage, playing Alice Fitzwarren – Dick Whittington’s love interest.

Maddie and Nicole were last seen as Mr Toad and Mr Mole in Genesis Youth Theatre’s production of ‘The Adventures of Mr Toad’ in July.

A spokesperson said: “The group is excited to have such talented young actors making their mark in pantomime and to give them the opportunity to show the skills they have learnt with Genesis Youth Theatre.”

This year sees familiar faces return to the world of pantomime, alongside new ones – Tom Shields is preparing to make his debut on the Wellesley stage playing Idle Jack.

Pantomime is not just fun for the family to watch. Three mum and daughter partnerships are in the cast – Beth Swan and her daughter Kaiya, Beth Warwick and her daughter Evie, and Charlie Hughes and her daughter Hannah.

‘Dick Whittington’ runs from January 22-26 and tickets are on sale from Odette’s tea room in Wellington High Street, www.ticketsource.co.uk/wellingtonartscentre or by phone on 01823 240063.

Tickets are £12 adult, £9 concessions and £35 family (two adults and two children). The family ticket is new this year and WPG hopes this allows more families to go and enjoy the show.