PANTOMIME season has officially arrived as the cast of this year’s Big Bolton Panto prepare to take to the stage.

Dick Whittington and his Pirate Adventure kicks off at The Macron Stadium tomorrow running throughout the festive period.

Television personality Keith Chegwin will be joined by former Emmerdale actress Roxanne Pallett for the family friendly show.

Keith, who has starred in 35 pantomimes cannot wait to tread the boards at The Macron as Idle Jack.

He said: “We are just desperate to perform in front of an audience now.

“We have been rehearsing for a while now and we are more than ready. We can’t wait for everyone to see it.

“The best thing about getting in audience in is finally seeing that the jokes work. While you’re rehearsing there’s just no way of knowing how it’s going to go down.

“The reaction from the audience is what we live for.”

The show tells the tale of Dick Whittington on his travels to London to make his fame and fortune with his trusty companion Tommy the cat.

Keith, aged 59, said that it is sure to be fun for all the family, he added: “It’s a really fun show that’s suitable for all ages. It’s just a proper panto.

“I have done plenty of pantos over the year but this is the first time I have done Dick Whittington so I’m excited.”

Keith will be joined by a talented cast who will perform 41 times from tomorrow until their final show on January 1.

He said: “The whole cast are absolutely superb, it has been great fun being around them.

“Everyone should come down to see the show it is a bit of escapism over Christmas.

“My escapism is watching True Lies with a chicken tikka masala.

“You should all leave your masala’s at home and head down to The Macron to watch the panto!”

There are numerous performances most days until January 1 and tickets for the show are available at eticketing.co.uk/bwfc