PANTO Dame Berwick Kaler and the cast of The Grand Old Dame of York have appeared in costume on stage for the first time as they prepare for Berwick’s 40th and final pantomime at York Theatre Royal.

The production starts next Thursday and will run until February 2.

Tickets have been selling fast since the announcement that Berwick is bowing out after 40 years in panto.

The theatre has launched a ‘Where’s Berwick’ competition to win tickets for the last night and his last ever panto.

A spokesman said 40 images of Berwick were scattered around York city centre on vinyls placed in shop and office windows. One is at the theatre, along with a life size cardboard cutout of the star and an entry form for the contest.

“The mission is simple: find the 40 Berwicks,” he said.

“The winner will receive a pair of tickets to the legendary Dame’s last ever panto performance.”