MALTON and Norton Musical Theatre Company is marking its 65th year with a celebratory production of Dick Whittington, which takes to the stage on Friday.

The show will be performed at the Milton Rooms, in Malton, from Friday, January 17 to Saturday, January 25.

This year’s pantomime follows the traditional tale of Dick, played by regular favourite Ria Williams, a poor boy who becomes a wealthy merchant and eventually the Lord Mayor of London, due principally to the ratting abilities of his cat, Tom ,played by Mia West.

This is despite attempts to persuade him otherwise by Queen Rat, played by Margaret Luke, and her two cohorts Rot and Stench, played by Georgia Chapman and Dom Weatherill.

Watch out for Panto Dame Mother and Son performances by Mark Boler and Ben Greenhough, as well as Alderman Fitzwilliam father and daughter roles for Ian Goring and Ellen Longworth.

The traditional panto Fairy will be played by Paula Cook, with additional cameo roles for cockney husband and wife, Harry and Dora, played by Rob Davies and Toni Wray, Clare Fowler as Queen Megabazooma, Saskia Kirkham Burke as High Priestess, Elaine Chapman as Stenchess and Neil Paylor as the Ship’s Captain.

Principal roles will be supported by a further full company of 60 junior and senior dancers from Kirkham Henry, adding their usual glitz and glamour to the production.

The show will once again be directed by John Hall, with musical direction from Gill Boler.

Chairman Ian Goring said: “Everyone is particularly excited this year with it being our 65th anniversary and we’re hoping that record-breaking numbers will support us. It is going to be a great celebration.”

Tickets are £12 for adults and £10 for children and concessions, with a family ticket for two adults and two children at £40.

They are available from Malton Tourist Information Centre, in Malton library, or by phoning 01653 600048.