ANYONE going to see Farnworth Performing Arts Company's production of Dick Whittington had better move fast, after the company decided to put the show on earlier this year.

FPAC spokesperson Kathlen Forrest said: "Normally, we put the panto on in January, but we decided to get involved with the Christmas spirit this year and put it on in December."

So it will run at the Theatre Church, Astley Bridge, from December 7 to 10.

The company, which regularly features in the Bolton Evening News Amateur Theatre Awards, has pulled out all the stops to make this show a family spectacular.

"We have really done the business this year, so its going to be a bit special," said Kathleen.

Dick Whittington is one of the few home-grown panto stories, along with The Babes In The Wood. The story is based on the real life Richard Whittington, who, unlike his pantomime character, was not poor, being the third son of Sir William Whittington of Gloucester.

Richard Whittington was born somewhere around 1350, moving to London where he traded in costly textiles. Like the Dick Whittington of pantomime he did marry Alice Fitzwarren, daughter of an Alderman, and became Alderman himself, before taking the title of Sheriff. Under the patronage of Richard II he became Lord Mayor in 1397, and later again in 1406 and 1419.

FPAC have enlisted Delaney Brindle to play Dick, and the cast also includes the always excellent Ian Duckworth, Gilly Alcock, Marilyn Gould and Jenny Price

Dick Whittington is at Theatre Church, Astley Bridge December 7-10 Tickets 01204 452610