BERWICK'S back!

Berwick Kaler, perennial dame of the York Theatre Royal pantomime, and his fellow cast members have begun rehearsals for Dick Whittington.

Among those assembling at the Walmgate rehearsal studios yesterday were Kaler's evergreen sidekick, Martin Barrass, who will play Stanley Sessay, son of Berwick's Cissy Sessay; regular baddie David Leonard, absent from the photocall but definitely on board for the role of Ratemon; York brothers Julian and Richard Kay, last year's comic double act now cast as Swaggs and Tails for more slapstick with Julian also on duty as Alderman Boyes; and another Theatre Royal pantomime favourite, Joanne Heywood, who will be performing the title role fresh from her appearance in Behind The Scenes At The Museum.

The cast also includes Deborah Winn, who will star as principal girl Alice, and the chorus of Annika Zajac, Jo Martell, Lorna Chappell, Gerrard Martin, Robbie Bonar and Kieran Harris. Completing the line-up in yesterday's roll call was musical director Ewan Anderson.

Dick Whittington, written by dame Berwick and co-directed by the dame and artistic director Damian Cruden, will run for a record 65 performances from December 13 to February 3.

Prompt booking is recommended on 01904 623568.