Shropshire Star

Videos and pictures: 38,000 to see this year's Shrewsbury panto? (Oh yes they will!)

More than 38,000 people will flock to this year's Shrewsbury pantomime, organisers said today.

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The cast of Theatre Severn's upcoming production of Dick Whittington was unveiled at a launch event at Whittington Castle, near Oswestry.

David Jack, theatre manager, said he was "delighted" to welcome back Evolution Productions for its fifth pantomime at the theatre and promised panto-goers they were in for a treat.

He said: "Every year surpasses the last, it just gets better and better. Shrewsbury loves panto.

"We're really confident it's going to be a complete sell out even before we're open."

Telford-born Paul Hendy, who has written this year's pantomime, said Dick Whittington has the right ingredients for a family fun show.

He said: "It's so traditional, you've got your goodie, your baddie, your leading man and fairy. It's the panto for panto purists.

"It's going to be fantastic, I'm not only looking forward to bringing the panto to Theatre Severn because it's such a great venue but also to the second happiest place in the UK – Shrewsbury."

This year's cast and crew includes Brad Fitt returning as director and also starring in the show as Dame Dolly the Cook.

Mr Fitt will team up again with BBC Radio Shropshire's Eric Smith, who will be performing in his 14th pantomime in the town.

Shropshire panto enthusiast Kevin Langford, 48, who also attended the launch, spoke of his excitement ahead of this year's show.

He said: "I'm here today out of pure pleasure for panto, I've watched every Evolution panto at Theatre Severn numerous times.

"It all started when I watched their production of Aladdin, I said to myself if it isn't good I'll leave during the interval, the interval came and I stayed.

"They just know what ingredients make a good panto, from the music to the comedy."

Following the launch, open auditions for this year's show were held at the Priory School.

  • Dick Whittington opens on December 2 and will run until January 10. Tickets are available from the box office at Theatre Severn on (01743) 281281 or online at www.theatresevern.co.uk

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