THE 1812 Theatre Company’s pantomime, Dick Whittington And His Cat, is running at Helmsley Arts Centre until December 10.

Directed by Helena Fox, director of Everwitch Theatre, with choreography by Ashton Danby, from Miss Sarah Louise Ashworth’s School of Dance, and musical direction by arts centre artistic director Natasha Jones, this community event brings together talent from Ryedale and beyond.

Full of energy and festive spirit, the show features a cast and crew of 50 aged five to over 80, 14 musical numbers and an array of comedy props. The volunteer wardrobe team has been busy sourcing and creating vibrant panto costumes while musical numbers range from Shirley Temple to Beyoncé numbers.

Joe Gregory takes the lead as Dick Whittington, accompanied by his friendly sidekick Tommy the Cat, played by Joe Coughlan. 1812 Youth Theatre member Amy Hughes will be the female lead, Alice and Helmsley Arts Centre stalwart Martin Vander Weyer dons his best frock to deliver his panto dame, Sarah the Cook.

1812 Youth Theatre alumnus Alastair Coughlan returns to the arts centre to star as Idle Jack before heading to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York next year.

Michelle Hopley ventures into the panto's dark side as baddie Queen Rat and Jude Cunnison will be fighting the good cause as Fairy Bow Bells, assisted by a host of show-stealing little elves and fairies.

Performances take place at 7.3pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; 2.30pm, 7.30pm, Saturday, and 2.30pm, next Sunday. Tickets are on sale on 01439 771700 or at helmsleyarts.co.uk