PANTO season is fast approaching and the cast of Bolton Little Theatre are looking forward to shouts of "he's behind you!" as they bring the festive favourite Dick Whittington to entertain families this Christmas.

The popular tale follows the hero as he arrives in London Town to seek his fortune with only his cat for company, only to be whisked away to far off lands on a merchant ship bound for Morocco.

As ever it has all the essential elements of a traditional family panto: a young hero in Dick Whittington, a comedy side kick in Idle Jack, a Pantomime Dame in Dame Dotty, a larger than life baddie in King Rat and a pair of daft sailors Captain and Scupper.

The director’s reins are once again in the capable hands of Paul Cohen who has assembled a stellar cast to take the audience ­— children and adults alike ­— off into the make-believe world of pantomime absurdity.

The role of pantomime dame has been taken on by Ryan Smart-Stanton, and this is the first time you will see him in the outrageous costumes, wigs and make up at Bolton Little Theatre.

Kimberley Riley-Shipperbottom plays thigh slapping Principle Boy Dick this year, said: "I love seeing the look on the kids faces – I work with children in my day job and it really is priceless to watch them come alive in the audience."

Matt Seber who also returns to panto as one of the comedy sailors Scupper agrees.

"For a slice of family entertainment you just can’t beat it,"he said, "This is my third year in the Bolton Little Theatre panto and I’m still coming back for more."

And Society Chairman David Smart, so often seen in the dame’s oversized dress, plays the baddie King Rat again ­— after starring as the gloriously evil Uncle Abanazer in last year’s Aladdin.

So for a welcome dose of good old family fun, what better that to pop down to Bolton Little Theatre?

The dates are spread across three weekends this year starting on tomorrow.

Dick Whittington runs from Friday, November 30 to December 16 over the weekends.

For full information on dates and times call the box office on 01204 524469 or book on line via the BLT website www.boltonlittletheatre.co.uk.