ROMSEY’S Plaza Theatre continues its festive run of a panto classic including a whole host of colourful characters.

Dick Whittington and his cat bring their adventures to the stage in this traditional family portrayal packed with jokes and puns as evil rats run amok.

The play, by Kate Edgar and Colin Wakefield, tells the story of a man leaving home for London to make his fortune where the streets are paved with gold. He meets a good fairy promising to look after him and his cat on their journey.

But a small boy steals a spell book and turns himself into a rat and soon decides that the rats should take over.

In one of the most popular pantomimes Dick proves himself to the world in this special production.

Director David Johnson said: “It was in January 1963 that I first played in a pantomime. It was Dick Whittington at the Crosfield Hall. In those days we built and painted our sets and scenery in a draughty, leaky barn at Great Woodley Farm, whereas now we have the luxury of a heated, purpose-built workshop on site at The Plaza.

“It was my great honour to be the director of the first show, Jack and the Beanstalk, in the refurbished Plaza Theatre in January 1984. I was greatly helped by my assistant and friend, the late Clive Butcher. How wonderful that his beautiful daughter, my goddaughter, is playing the part of Dick Whittington in this year’s pantomime.”

The show continues its run from January 15-18 and again from January 22-24.

It starts at 7.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays, 2pm and 6pm on Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays.

Tickets cost £11 and discounts are available for families and groups of ten or more.