The cast for this year’s Dick Whittington Christmas panto in Barking has been unveiled.

The classic story has been adapted about a poor boy from Barking and Dagenham who dreams of making his fortune in central London.

The panto opens at Barking’s Broadway Theatre on December 7 for three weeks with West End stars and local talent.

Dick Whittington is played by Will Haswell who was Marty McFly in Back to the Future at the Adelphi.

Jamie Cruttenden, who was in My Fair Lady in the West End, plays Simple Simon, Tim Freeman plays Sarah the Cook, Megan Johnson is Alice Fitzwarren, Kelly Sweeney is Queen Rat and Kate Playdon is Fairy Bowbells.

The choreographer is George Lyons who appeared in Singin’ In The Rain at Sadler’s Wells. 

“Dick Whittington is for young and old alike,” producer Daryl Back said. “Our cast and creative team are hugely talented.”

This version of the man who thrice becomes Lord Mayor of London has a chorus of youngsters from Barking who form the Young Pantomime Company.

The panto opens December 7, running till New Year’s Eve. Tickets from £18 are available at the box office on 020 8507 5607, or email boxoffice@thebroadwaybarking.com.