Panto hoping to create ‘incredible spectacle’ as Dick Whittington heads to Wellingborough
Tickets are on sale now for The Castle Theatre’s run of Dick Whittington, the chosen pantomime for the 2026 Christmas season.
Dick Whittington tells the tale of the titular character’s trip to London, where he swaps rags for riches in search of ‘fame, fortune, and his destiny’. It’s a fan favourite among panto enthusiasts, and this year The Castle Theatre in Wellingborough will adapt the story for the first time in a professional production.
Producer of Parkwood Theatres’ in-house productions Martin Cleverley officially began the panto season at The Castle at the launch event yesterday (September 23).
He said: “Today I’m delighted to officially launch our 2026 pantomime, Dick Whittington.
“Since we started producing our own in-house pantomimes this marks the very first time we’ve staged Dick Whittington, and the first time the Castle Theatre has ever presented a professional production of this classic title.
“Rest assured, it wouldn’t be a Castle pantomime without a few twists.
“Whether you’re a life-long fan of pantomime or seeing Dick Whittington for the very first time, you won’t want to miss it.”
While the cast will look to adapt the much-loved panto (which itself if an adaptation of the centuries-old English folklore story), the launch brought with it some hints at some exciting new directions for the familiar show, including an ‘unexpected’ stop in Las Vegas, ‘plenty of attitude’ from Dick’s trusty cat, Bruno Meows, and a special 3D segment of the show, with glasses provided.
The cast is made up of both new faces and returning, familiar favourites. Gary L Johnson will return once again as the dame, ‘Cherrie Trifle’ with Edward Conroy, who played Djon in last year’s Peter Pan, also set to return, this time as Idle Jack.
Newcomers include the titular Dick Whittington played by Dominic Wood, Stuart Ash portraying his cat, Bruno Meows, and Eleanor Sandars as the evil Queen Rat. The main cast is rounded out by Caroline Eby as Alice Fitzwarren, Emily Attridge-Cox as Fairy Bowbells, and Marlon Moore as the Alderman.
Tickets for Dick Whittington are on sale now, and operate on a tiered pricing structure, with Super Saver tickets costing £16, rising to peak dates around Christmas costing £32, or £110 for a family of four.
Dick Whittington’s run will begin on Sunday, November 29, with plenty of performances until its final day on New Year’s Eve.
Tickets can be booked online here.