THE children may have only gone back to school this week but excitement is already building for East Lancashire’s biggest family pantomime.

The stars of Dick Whittington which comes to King George’s Hall, Blackburn, in December paid a visit to the town yesterday as tickets officially went on sale.

“It really will be a fantastic family show,” said director Roger Hannah., who was also responsible for last year’s record-breaking production of Aladdin.

“Hopefully this year we’’ll be taking the show to the next level,” added Roger, who also wrote this year’s show.

“I’d love to make Blackburn the pantomime in the North West that everybody wants to come to see.”

Roger is working with the Stageworks team based at Blackpool Pleasure Beach who have a long association with the King George’s Hall panto.

“It’s very much a show for children and I’m passionate about getting children to come to the theatre it’s a very important thing,” said Roger. “If they enjoy pantomime as they get older they may well go back to see other shows. You have to put magic into it for the kids and you can’t beat live theatre.

“We all like the simplicity of a pantomime, the good and the bad and the sheer spectacle of it.

“Last year I really enjoyed it. The cast were great and the people here are lovely and it’s an excellent venue for pantomime. I want it to be on a par with the major city pantomimes.”

Last year, Kevin Simm who went on to win The Voice starred in Aladdin but will not be returning this year.

Playing Dick Whittington who leaves Blackburn for London in search of wealth and fame will be Jonathon Prestney in what will be his first major role.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “I love pantomime and everyone in Blackburn is so friendly.

“I’d just urge everyone to come along and have a giggle. It’s going to be a great show for all the family.”

The cast also includes Amy Jo Clough as Alice Fitzwarren, Russ Brown as Sarah the Cook, Alexa Jayne Robinson as Fairy Bow Bells and Christopher Finch as King Rat.

“There is a great tradition of family pantomime in Blackburn and DIck Whittington will be a fabulous show for everyone,” said Roger.

n Dick Whittington, King George’s Hall, Blackburn, Thursday, December 8 to New Year’s Eve. Details from 0844 847 1664