THIS year’s feelgood Lighthouse pantomime Dick Whittington has been officially launched, with cast members meeting the Mayor of Poole Sean Gabriel at the town’s historic Guildhall.

Popular children’s TV presenter Chris Jarvis, who stars in, directs and writes the pantomime, was joined by members of cast including Richard Gibson (‘Allo Allo’s Herr Flick – returning to Poole by popular demand) as Alderman Fitzwarren, Katie Arundell as Alice Fitzwarren, Dereck Walker as Dame Dolly Donuts and Sammy Phillips as Tommy the Cat. The line-up is completed by Craig Rhys-Barlow as King Rat and Charlotte Knowles as Fairy Bowbells, accompanied by a supporting cast of dancers and a young company comprising talented local children.

This is the third year running that Lighthouse has co-produced its homegrown pantomime with Duncan Reeves Productions, the company headed by actor and TV presenter Peter Duncan. Dick Whittington follows the success of Aladdin in 2016) and last year’s magical production of Cinderella.

Audiences at this year’s pantomime will set out on an adventure with Dick and his acrobatic cat as they journey from Poole to Olde London Town then across the sea seeking fame and fortune. Prepare to be wowed with spectacular new scenery, sparkling costumes and special effects as you boo, cheer, laugh and sing along.

A Christmas treat for the whole family, Dick Whittington opens at Lighthouse on Friday 7 December with performances up until Christmas Eve. Tickets are on sale now from the Lighthouse ticket office, by calling 01202 280000 or online at www.lighthousepoole.co.uk