They're back! (Oh yes they are!)

If you’re a regular at the theatre’s traditional family panto, you’ll remember Julian Eardley and Ed Thorpe from last year’s Beauty and the Beast. They played Dame Dotty and Wally and are set to make a comeback for this year’s festive treat, Dick Whittington.

Dick Whittington tells the story of a man who seeks fame and fortune in a London riddled by the sinister King Rat and his Revolting Rodents.

The double act was born in 2017 in Peter Pan, and Julian – who is well-known in the city and has played the Dame at the theatre for many years - played Mrs Smee; while Ed was Smee.

Peter Pan was Ed’s first panto ever and he was nominated in the Great British Pantomime Awards.

Writer and director James Barry, and composer Simon Slater – who were responsible for last year’s hugely successful Beauty and the Beast, are currently putting the final touches to this year's extravaganza. Earlier this year they were nominated for the Great British Pantomime Award’s Musical Achievement Award for their original score for Beauty and the Beast.