October 19, 2012 2.05 pm This story is over 152 months old

Pantos galore in Lincoln this Christmas

Panto paradise Two pantos in Lincoln this Christmas have been announced, with tickets now on sale.

A number of pantos will put put on in Lincoln this Christmas, giving residents plenty of opportunity to laugh, cheer and boo.

Lincoln Theatre Royal is putting on a show of Dick Whittington starring Lincoln populars Cannon and Ball.

Tommy and Bobby are returning to Lincoln for a fourth year to play Captain and First Mate as they celebrate 50 years of performing — the longest serving double act.

They are joined by Peter Amory of Emmerdale as King Rat and Principal Boy Nicola Weeks, plus the return of Richard Tate as Alderman Fitzwarren and Lincoln’s Steve Barclay as Sarah the Cook.

The panto will run from December 7 to January 13, tickets start at £11, and there are also special school packages on offer.

Meanwhile Lincoln Drill Hall’s panto, Peter Pan, already received such high interest, it’s extended its running time.

The production will now run from Thursday December 13 to Saturday January 5. Tickets start at £10.50, and the Drill Hall is already working with schools on special deals.

The pantomime, made by Jamie Marcus Productions, will include well-known songs and a flying sequence from London to Neverland via Lincoln Drill Hall.

Peter Pan will be played by London actor Robert Rooney, while local actor Chris Hayes will play The Dame and actor and TV presenter Alistair Divall is Captain Hook.

TV presenter Alistair Divall, who is starring as Captain Hook, said: “I was born and brought up here in Lincoln and my mother and daughter are still here, so I have a very strong connection to the city, it is part of my heritage.

“I have done many pantomimes all over the country but the ones in the north always have more of a great party atmosphere – Lincoln has a big family community and spirit and pantomime is an experience the entire family can share.”

Lincoln-based producer Jamie Marcus added: “I am delighted to be back for my 6th year at Lincoln Drill Hall. We broke all box office records with Snow White last year and this year we are already 41% up so audience members must be loving what we are doing.”

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite