SLAPS take on Dick Whittington

Pictured from left: Robert Heane – King Rat; Andy Vallely – Alderman Fitzwarren; Julie Moore – Fairy Bowbelles; Clare Davison – Dick Whittington; Kelly-Marie Wilkinson – Empress of Morocco and Christopher Rozier – Sarah the Cook.

SLAPS will be taking on Dick Whittington (and his cat) as their 2020 pantomime.

Cast members will be taking to the stage next month for six performances which will take place at King Edward VI Academy, in Spilsby.

Audiences can follow the classic tale of Dick who is played by Clare Davison.

Back row from left: Daniel Wright - Chorus/Rat; Freya Cartwright - Idle Jack; Paris Layzell - Chorus/Rat and front row from left: Jessica Parish - Alice Fitzwarren; Lucy Wilkinson - Chorus/Rat; Alexis Marshall - Chorus/Rat; Amelia Houlden - Chorus/Rat/Taxi Driver and Verity Allwood - Tommy the Cat.

Dick is a young boy who makes the decision to travel to London in search of fame and fortune.

He arrives in London with no money to his name and no friends.

Dick bumps into kind Fairy Bowbelles - played by Julie Moore - who introduces him to Tommy the cat - played by Verity Allwood .

Tommy and Dick run into Alice Fitzwarren - played by Jessica Parish. Alice is the daughter of Alderman Fitzwarren- played by Andy Vallely.

Alice offers Dick and Tommy a place to stay and a job. After spending so much time together, Dick and Alice fall in love.

The dame in the story - Sarah the Cook - is played by Christopher Rozier - and Sarah is usually joined by Idle Jack - played by Freya Cartwright.

Dick is given the task of guarding the Alderman’s safe but evil King Rat - played by Robert Heane - has other ideas.

King Rat detests Dick and Tommy and plans to steal the money from the safe, and place the money in Dick’s pocket or purse - shifting the blame onto young Whittington.

When it is discovered that the money has gone missing, Dick is found to have the money on him - betraying the Alderman’s trust in him.

Dick is dismissed and forced to leave London - and his beloved Alice - forever!

On their journey home, Fairy Bowbelles appears and casts a spell which makes him dream of the future - a future where he marries Alice and is made Lord Mayor of London.

Dick and Tommy have a change of heart and start their journey back to London.

Later in the pantomime, some of the cast are aboard a ship - The Sweet Marie.

Dick and Tommy hide on board the ship as stowaways.

The ship encounters a great storm and all onboard end up washed up on the island of Morocco - which has a huge rat infestation.

Kelly-Marie Wilkinson - who stars as the Empress of Morocco - promises half her kingdom to whoever can make the rats disappear - enter Tommy!

Dick persuades the Empress that Tommy will kill all his rats.

The Empress is overjoyed and gives Dick half her treasure.

Dick can finally return home and marry the love of his life.

Arriving back in London Dick has returned a wealthy hero.

The final scene sees Dick’s dream has come true- he is Lord Mayor of London, and is married to his true love, Alice.

The King Rat has been defeated, and all ends happily ever after!

Performances are on Tuesday, February 18 (7.30pm); Wednesday, February 19 (7.30pm); Thursday, February 20 (7.30pm); Friday, February 21 (7.30pm); Saturday, February 22 (children’s matinee at 2pm and evening performance at 7.30pm).

Tickets are priced at £7 for evening performances and £6 for the children’s matinee.

Tickets are available from The Green House, in High Street, Spilsby.

To find out more or to book tickets, call 01790 755434 or Chris on 01790 753095.

You can also message the Facebook page by searching for Spilsby Local Amateur Pantomime Society.