THE pantomime season finally makes its way to Halstead’s Empire Theatre this week.

The Stane Street Players have been performing their production of Ben Crocker’s Dick Whittington, with the players set to stage their last two performances on January 25th.

The group were winners of the prestigious Eric Dyster Cup for Best Pantomime for the third time thanks to their 2019 performance of Mother Goose.

The pantomime is directed by Jackie Parish and Katrina Leaney, and tells the tale of the handsome Dick Whittington who arrives at Fitzwarren’s shop in London, where he meets a clever cat called Tommy.

From there Dick immediately falls for the beautiful Alice Fitzwarren and the tale sees the cast embark on a sea voyage with drama and calamity

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The lead role of Dick Whittington is taken on by newcomer Daniel Solomons, with Louise Argent and Lesley Shaw also making debuts with the group.

The panto also sees the return of Martin James, and Julian Prime takes up the mantle of chief baddie King Rat.

Debbie Mansell plays Fairy Bowbells, with Anna James in the role of Tommy the Cat and Nick Nott lending his cheeky persona to Idle Jack.

Kim Richardson gives a feisty performance as Jack’s love interest, Alice Fitzwarren, while her father is played by the award-winning player member, Nick Mason, playing a duel role.

Director Jackie Parish said: “It’s been tremendous fun to direct.

“This time around I’ve had the luxury of a co-director in Katrina which has given us the opportunity to bounce ideas and to really explore the potential within the script and the characterisation.

“The script and the characters are very funny, and we have had great fun preparing it for audiences

“We have a great cast with a very wide range of experience, from beginners to those who have been treading the boards for many years.

“I feel blessed and I think we’ve put together a really good show and I hope the audience enjoy it.”

Tickets cost £11. For show times and tickets, visit

www.empire-theatre.co.uk or call 07778 025490.