It's Fan-Dabi-Dozi In Manchester As The Krankies Launch Manchester's 'Purrfest' Pantomime

It was Fan-Dabi-Dozi in Manchester yesterday as comedy duo The Krankies visited the city to attend the press launch of their forthcoming Christmas Pantomime, Dick Whittington.

John Barrowman and The Krankies will lead the cast in this year's must-see pantomime adventure which runs at Manchester Opera House from Saturday 9 December to Sunday 7 January 2018 and tickets are already on sale.

Produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world's biggest pantomime producer, the show will also include a spectacular 3D sequence, which will see audiences travel on a very special adventure alongside Dick Whittington and his trusty cat!

Hosted by Mike Haslam from Key 103 Breakfast Show, the launch took place at The Comedy Store and producer Michael Harrison gave specially invited guests a taste of what to expect this Christmas, a special video message was delivered to Manchester from John Barrowman and an hilarious stand-up performance from The Krankies. There was also a special presentation from The Twins FX, leaders of theatrical visual special effects.

John Barrowman stars in the title role of the hero Dick Whittington. The hugely popular showman has enjoyed an acclaimed and hugely varied career including music, presenting and writing with performances on television and film, in the West End and on Broadway. His numerous stage credits include leading roles in Sunset Boulevard, Anything Goes, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon and Company. He was on the TV judging panel of How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber, and hosted his own primetime Saturday night programme for the BBC, Tonight's the Night.

John is perhaps best-known for his iconic role as Captain Jack Harkness in Doctor Who for the BBC, a role that proved so popular he became the leading role in its spin-off series, Torchwood, which made John a household name. He has also released eleven studio albums and two concert DVDs. John is currently starring as Malcolm Merlyn in the acclaimed US television show Arrow, based on the DC Comic crime-fighter Green Arrow which is now in its sixth series.

Joining John are the legendary double act The Krankies playing Councillor and Jimmy Krankie. Having entertained audiences with their slapstick for over 50 years, Dick Whittington will mark the couple's seventh pantomime season playing alongside John Barrowman. Ian and Janette Tough, who last year celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary, have been stalwarts on the cabaret circuit and on television since the 1970s, enjoying a varied career including sold-out residencies at major theatres across the UK, appearances at the Royal Variety Performance and their own television programmes The Krankies Klub and The Krankies Elektronik Komic and released two singles, Fan-Dabi-Dozi, based on their much-loved catchphrase and Wee Jimmy Krankie.

John Barrowman said "I am so looking forward to coming to Manchester. We've pretty much hit all corners of the UK with this show and the one thing that I think is great about it, is that it's a great family show. We have a great time, that's the reason I come back every year to do panto with QDOS. It's one of the best introductions to live theatre for children, and one of the things we have to keep doing is the tradition of live theatre. We're going to bring the magic of the Barrowman-Krankie panto Manchester. I have lots of friends in Manchester too, I can't wait."

Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment's pantomimes said "We're absolutely delighted that the ultimate showman, John Barrowman, will be leading the cast of this year's Manchester Opera House pantomime. John is always a favourite with panto audiences, which is no surprise given his immense talent. We're also thrilled that panto-legends The Krankies will be spending another season with John, their timeless comedy is loved by audiences of all ages."

Sarah Bleasdale, General Manager of the Palace Theatre and Opera House said "It is with great pleasure that we welcome back to Manchester, the world's biggest Panto producer Qdos Entertainment after 10 years and what a show they are returning with. Bringing some of the biggest names in showbusiness and comedy, John Barrowman and The Krankies, in one of the most traditional of Panto titles. We are all really excited and I know that Manchester audiences are in for an absolute treat, its sure to be unforgettable show for all the family this festive period."

IF YOU GO:

Dick Whittington starring John Barrowman and The Krankies

Saturday 9 December 2017 to Sunday 7 January 2018

Performances: Various check box office for details

Tickets: From £12

Opera House, Manchester

3 Quay Street

Manchester

M3 3HP

Box Office: 0844 871 3018* or Group Bookings: 0333 009 5390*

Online: www.atgtickets.com/manchester *

*Booking/transaction fee applies