St Helens Theatre Royal announces Dick Whittington as this year’s Christmas panto

Get ready for a magical adventure this festive season as St Helens Theatre Royal brings a brand-new panto to the stage – and it’s one they’ve never done before.

For the first time in its 25-year history, Regal Entertainments will present Dick Whittington at St Helens Theatre Royal, packed with everything you love about panto: laugh-out-loud moments, fabulous costumes, catchy tunes, and plenty of audience participation.

The show runs from Friday 28 November 2025 to Sunday 11 January 2026, promising fun for all the family throughout the Christmas holidays.

Taking the lead as Dick Whittington is Emmerdale favourite Matthew Wolfenden, making his St Helens debut. He’ll be joined by local legends Lewis Devine as Idle Jack and Timothy Lucas as the mischievous King Rat. And this year’s production will include some dazzling West End-style 3D effects, transporting the audience on an exciting underwater journey.

The story follows young Dick as he sets off from Merseyside to London in search of fortune, with only his loyal cat by his side. Along the way he meets a magical fairy, falls for Alice – daughter of businesswoman Felicity Fitzwarren – and faces off against the evil King Rat. Will he find the gold-paved streets he’s been dreaming of, or will King Rat ruin everything?

The show will be directed by Chantelle Joseph, who was recently shortlisted for best director at the National Pantomime Awards for her work on Snow White. Choreography is by Nazene Langfield, with Steve Power as musical director.

Matthew Wolfenden is best known for playing David Metcalfe in Emmerdale from 2006 to 2024, winning hearts with his role as the charming shopkeeper. His theatre credits include Saturday Night Fever, Godspell and most recently playing Buddy in Elf at London’s Dominion Theatre.

Meanwhile, Lewis Devine is no stranger to panto fans in St Helens, having played everyone from Muddles in Snow Whiteto Wishee Washee in Aladdin. When he’s not on stage, he runs The Devine Theatre Company, helping young performers across Merseyside.

Timothy Lucas returns as King Rat after a string of popular performances in St Helens, including Genie in Aladdin and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. He’s also appeared in Blood Brothers, Cilla the Musical, and at Shakespeare North Playhouse.

Director Chantelle Joseph is already excited about what’s to come, she said:

“I’m so excited to bring Dick Whittington to St Helens for the very first time. We’re giving the classic story our own Regal twist, and with a cast led by Matthew Wolfenden plus two of our audience favourites in Lewis and Tim, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic Christmas production. This is going to be a real festive treat for the whole family.”

Tickets for Dick Whittington are on sale now via the St Helens Theatre Royal website. Early booking is recommended.

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