Dick Whittington

The streets of Port Sunlight will be paved with gold this Christmas when Dreamworld Entertainments presents the purr-fect panto treat for family audiences.

Dick Whittington runs from Saturday 5 – Thursday 31 December at the village’s historic Gladstone Theatre. Tickets are priced from £21.

Emmerdale and Hollyoaks’ Darren John Langford – Port Sunlight’s hugely popular resident villain – returns to head the brilliant cast as the dastardly King Rat in the unmissable seasonal spectacular.

And the cast also includes Lewis Pryor as Dick Whittington, Sarah Craig as Fairy Bowbells, Emily Payne as Alice Fitzwarren, Michael Chapman as Sarah the Cook and Michael Alan Bailey as Pie-man Simon.

Join Dick, his trusty cat and a cast of colourful characters as they embark on a magical journey of discovery, friendship and courage in what is sure to be one of the highlights of the festive season.

 Theatregoers can expect big laughs and plenty of spectacle, with dazzling sets and costumes, a great soundtrack of favourite songs performed live by the cast and lots of audience interaction.

 Darren John Langford appears as King Rat. Darren is a versatile British actor known for his dynamic stage presence and emotionally engaging performances across theatre, television and film. A graduate of the prestigious Arden School of Theatre in Manchester, he began his career in fringe theatre and on the small screen, gaining national recognition for his portrayal of Spencer Gray in Channel 4’s award-winning soap Hollyoaks.

His TV credits also include appearances in Emmerdale, Portal, cinema classics such as Emily and various independent film projects where he continues to demonstrate his range and dedication to character work.

On stage Darren has taken on an array of roles from contemporary comedy to classic drama. His theatre work includes stand-out performances in Patrick Marber’s Closer, Les in Les and Ali’s Big Balearic Adventure and Orsino in Twelfth Night, earning praise for his authentic connection with audiences.

Meanwhile his many panto credits include the evil Fleshcreep in Jack and the Beanstalk at Easter, Captain Hook in Peter Pan last Christmas and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast in 1923, all at the Gladstone Theatre, along with Abanazer in Aladdin, and the Big Bad Wolf in Little Red.

When not performing, he is actively involved in youth arts education, mentoring young people and promoting access to the performing arts across the UK.

 Gladstone Theatre favourite Lewis Pryor is Dick Whittington. From the age of 11, Lewis was a keen performer and once finishing school he completed three years of training at Jelli Studios Theatre Arts College where he studied drama and musical theatre. In 2016 he reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent as a member of the dance group Boogie Storm, coming third and gaining Simon Cowell’s coveted golden buzzer.

Lewis has endeared himself to Port Sunlight family audiences, most recently playing Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk at Easter, Peter Pan last Christmas and also Buttons in Cinderella. His many other panto appearances include Peter Pan at Storyhouse Chester and the Liverpool Empire, Aladdin, Cinderella, Snow White and The Wizard of Oz at the Epstein Theatre, and Aladdin and Cinderella at The Atkinson at Southport. His further stage credits include Michael in the Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre’s Billy Elliot, Leslie in Matthew Bourne’s Lord of the Flies in London and at the Liverpool Empire, and Stevie in Dave Kirby’s Reds and Blues – the Musical at Liverpool’s Royal Court.

On screen he appeared in Being Eileen for the BBC.

Sarah Craig is Fairy Bowbells. Sarah trained at Jelli Studios Theatre Arts College and Bird College of Dance, Music and Theatre Performance.

Theatre credits include Morgan in Flat Earth: The Musical (BEAM Theatre), ensemble/alt Rose and dance captain in ‘Without’ the Musical (Edinburgh Fringe) and Vera in Lilies on the Land (Uk tour).

TICKET PRICES:

Standard: £23.50

Concessions: £19.50

Family Ticket: £74.00

Plus fees