ENTERTAINERS with Melksham Music and Drama Group are getting ready to stage their annual pantomime, which this year is Dick Whittington and his Cat.

Written by Ben Crocker, the production is a traditional show based on the real-life story of Richard Whittington, a wealthy merchant and later Lord Mayor of London, telling the story of how he supposedly escaped his poverty-stricken childhood and made his fortune thanks to the ratting abilities of his cat.

In pantomime time Dick Whittington, played by Rosie Raikes-May, goes to London, drawn by the sound of the city's bells, and meets Tommy the cat on the way. While there he falls in love with Alice played by Charlotte Brixton.

They set off for a new life in Morocco, but the evil King Rat foils everything and they are shipwrecked and captured by the Emperor's guards. Luckily, Tommy is able to help rid the county of a plague of rats, Dick returns home with Alice as a wealthy man and, in true pantomime tradition, everyone lives happily ever after.

Carol Mitcham, who co-directs the show with Justin Hagget, said: "This is a very funny show with lots of surprises, brilliant singing and dancing and of course audience participation."

The show opens at the Rachel Fowler centre on February 9 with performances on February 10 and 11, 16, 17 and 18 at 7.30pm. There are also matinees on each Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets are available at £8 for adults and £6 for children and concessions from Melksham TIC or www.mmad.org.uk