There was singing and dancing aplenty as the 36th annual Loddon pantomime started last night.

A cast of 47 has been rehearsing ahead of the show, Dick Whittington.

The cast, who range from seven to 73 years of age, will be performing 12 shows at the Lecture Hall, in George Lane, with matinee and evening shows.

This year’s pantomime is directed by Jackie Bingham and Anthony Bunting, who also take the roles of Dick Whittington and the Dame.

Writer Joan Evans has written 27 of the panto-scripts, using added characters and a local theme to add to the original stories.

This tale follows Dick and his beloved cat as he seeks fortune in London, via Loddon.

Vicky Codling choreographs all the dance routines, while her Funky Feet School of Dance and Performing Arts provides the chorus line.

The musical director is Alan Cant, Ian Taylor and Matt Day provide the lighting and sound, Liz Purling is stage manager, Steve Burton runs the production and Pauline Mason is in charge of wardrobe.

Loddon Players present Dick Whittington on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from January 12 to January 28 at 7.30pm, with additional 2.30pm matinees on the Saturdays.

Tickets are �6 for adults and �5 for concessions. They are available from Hazel on 01508 520162 between 9am and 9pm.