DICK WHITTINGTON Pantomime to Play the Marlowe This Holiday Season

It may be August, but the cast of this year's Marlowe Theatre pantomime have already started work.

TV presenter Stephen Mulhern and Marlowe favourites Ben Roddy and Lloyd Hollett were joined by the other Dick Whittington actors at the Canterbury venue yesterday (Sunday). They spent the day filming and being photographed and interviewed.

Stephen, a regular on our screens in programmes such as Catchphrase, Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, Britain's Got Talent and Big Star's Little Star, was last at the theatre for the 2011/12 pantomime - the first in the new building.

He said he was "over the moon" to be returning, adding: "I love Canterbury, I think it's beautiful - and the theatre just looks fantastic. In terms of panto, there's only a few places that come to mind when you say 'where would you like to do?', and Canterbury's one of them. It's just going to be a joy to be there."

Young female performers have the chance to appear in Dick Whittington with Stephen. Auditions for the juvenile ensemble are being held at The Marlowe Studio on Sunday 4 September, with registration at 10am. A routine will be taught on the day, which will end about noon (successful performers may need to stay longer). No food or drink other than water should be brought, and comfortable clothes and soft/dance shoes worn.

To audition, girls should be aged between nine and 15 inclusive on 1 September and 5ft 4in or under. A total commitment to the pantomime, from the rehearsal period to the end of the run (10 November to 8 January), is required.

For more details, see the auditions page at evolution-productions.co.uk or call Evolution on 01304 615333.

Dick Whittington runs at The Marlowe Theatre from Friday 25 November to Sunday 8 January. For full details, call the Box Office on 01227 787787, or go to marlowetheatre.com.