A STAR Wars actor, a former EastEnders star and East Lancashire's own 'Mr Panto' will be making history at Colne Muni's annual family festive show.

For it will be the first time that Dick Whittington has been performed at the venue - beginning a two-week run at the theatre on January 5.

George Critchley, the driving force behind PMA Productions, will be producing his 21st consecutive pantomime at the Muni and Dick Whittington will be the 23rd consecutive year he has performed in the annual show.

Returning to the Muni after a year's break will be Keith DeWinter who will be swapping Hollywood for East Lancashire to play Sarah the cook. Keith played Goss Toowers in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and has been regularly appearing at fans' conventions.

Mark Homer, best known for playing Tony Hills in EastEnders, will be the panto's chief baddie King Rat and comedian Lee Goode will take on three different roles - Alderman Fitzwarren, Captain Birdseye and the Sultan of Morocco.

The production will welcome three newcomers to Colne - Timothy Roberts in the title role of Dick Whittington; Kelly Aaron as Alice Fitzwarren and Laura D'Arcy as Fairy Bowbelles.

Youngsters from Whalley-based East Lancashire School of Dance and Pendle Academy in Colne will be taking part in the show.

Many of the cast were in Colne at the weekend for the launch of Dick Whittington.

Mr Critchley said: "We are all looking forward to coming back to Colne so much.

"The pantomime at the Muni really does have to have a special place in people's hearts. Throughout the year, I will have complete strangers coming up to me asking me what the pantomime is going to be and when it's on.

"I am really excited about the cast we have assembled this year. It's great to have Keith coming back, he's such great fun to work with. I love performing with him on stage and audiences love him as the dame.

"Mark Homer is such a good actor, he will really get his teeth into the role as the main baddie of the piece."

Mr Critchley is putting the finishing touches to the script for the production which he promises will be a show for all the family.

"There's some great slapstick for younger children, some fantastic songs and I'm very keen to make the most of this outstanding cast to tell a proper story."

Dick Whittington is at Colne Muni from Saturday, January 5 to Sunday, January 20. Booking are now being taken at 01282 661234 or www.themuni.com