Stafford panto cast in town

Panto cast members are set to rock and roll into Christmas by helping to switch on a town's festive lights.

The 11 actors and musicians will also be joining in the fun of Stafford's Santa Parade on Saturday.

It will be their first public appearance before the rock 'n' roll panto Dick Whittington opens at Stafford Gatehouse on December 8.

They will be performing songs from the show on the stage in Market Square before the switch on from 4.30pm.

Stuart King, who plays Dick, has appeared in touring shows including The Rocky Horror Show.

Maddie Cole has joined the Gatehouse team after a tour of the Glenn Miller musical The Bugle Boy and plays Fairy Bow Bells.

The cast play all the music including hits like Hippy Hippy Shake, and Dead Ringer for Love. Tickets for the show, which runs until January 7, are £16.95 for adults and £12.95 for concessions. Call 01785 254653.