NEXT week the curtain rises on another priceless piece of pantomime.

Courtesy of The Lakes Players, it's the magical timeless tale of a young boy who travels to London to find his fortune - Dick Whittington.

Practically perfect in every whacky way, the laugh out loud script is penned by writer and actor, Eric Potts, best known as eccentric baker Diggory Compton of Coronation Street fame. And LP director Stewart Hart has been working closely with Eric to create a fresh new version of the tale, giving it a modern spin and adding a local twist.

Eric is a new addition to Coventry-based Imagine Theatre Limited, which supplies Lakes Players scripts, sets and costumes. Stewart says its great to be able to work with someone to develop a script that caters for the the popular theatre group.

"Working with Eric this year has been a fantastic opportunity to create our very own personalised production from writing in characters especially for cast to slotting in local references about the area," explained Stewart. "Eric has also been on the end of the phone to assist with any production queries I’ve had with regards to the script and any technical advice we’ve needed."

Stewart and his rib tickling, riotous panto-teers welcome some fresh faces to The Lakes School stage for the Dick Whittington production, which runs from the January 23-27, including John Dodds, a highly regarded local performer, taking the role of Alderman Fitzwarren. New too is Angelika Matulewska, as fabulous feline Katty the Cat, Kitty’s body double, and Rob Timms who is playing the Sultan of Morocco.

Fresher, brighter and with a newly-designed set and costumes courtesy of Imagine, Dick Whittington sees Stewart directing and creating musical arrangements along with his sidekick Catherine Robinson, who choreographs the show with the Miss Maria School of Dance.

This year, Gareth Lambert is producer with Michael Robinson heading the backstage team, working alongside LP's leading light of sound and special effects Paul Gavin of Purple Sheep.

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Stewart said that the show was going brilliantly: "We’re now in the last final stages of tightening up the production generally making sure all the musical numbers are polished, final costumes ordered and finishing glittering everything in sight.

"This week the lights and sound arrive from London then the scenery and costumes ready to start building and slotting together."

Centre stage will be Matthew Chadbourne playing Idle Jack; Rachel Baines is the hero Dick Whittington, Amie Whyte is Alice Fitzwarren; Nicky Woods is whiskery Kitty the Cat; Alex Wickens in the guise of evil Queen Rat; Helen Ansell sparkles as Bow Bells, and Kim Hayton makes a guest appearance as Mrs Tiggleywinkle. Not forgetting, LP's resident chorus: Kate Osmaston, Jenna Barton, Kim Hayton and Ellie Beetham.

As per usual Stewart is the dame, costume clad as Sarah, the cook: "It’s really difficult to play the same role each year and try to make it different," added Stewart.

"I’ve really learned a lot from Eric this year as he also plays dames. I’ve tried to install some of my northern roots into the character and play Sarah the cook a bit more rough and ready rather than my usual perky dame; all with Eric's help and guidance."

So the stage is set for yet another dazzling dose of panto with some airborne action thrown in for good measure: "The audience can expect the usual professional production from the players but I’ve tried to create a fresher feel to the show by choosing up to date numbers. The costumes are a lot brighter and there's a fairy that flies without the assistance of wires.

"It’s a magical colourful lively fast paced show but keeping the good old tradition of panto, something for all the family."

Performances run at The Lakes School, Troutbeck Bridge, from Wednesday until Sunday, January 23-27 (7pm) with 1pm matinees on the Saturday and Sunday. There's no evening performance on Sunday, January 27.

Tickets are available from ticket source www.ticketsource.co.uk/lakesplayers or aqua the salon Bowness or Barbara Blackwell clothing alterations Ambleside.