Sam Rabone and Ben Thornton

Two of the stars of the Lichfield Garrick’s 2017 pantomime have confirmed they will return for next year’s production of Dick Whittington.

Sam Rabone and Ben Thornton
Sam Rabone and Ben Thornton

Ben Thornton and Sam Rabone have both signed up for 2018 after a successful run in Aladdin. Both were also stars of the 2016 show, Sleeping Beauty.

Karen Foster, The Lichfield Garrick’s Executive Director said she was delighted the duo had agreed to spend another Christmas in the city.

“Our audiences tell us that Sam Rabone and Ben Thornton are the comedy stars of our award winning pantomimes, so I’m absolutely delighted to welcome them back for a third year,” she said. “Children of all ages have joined Ben’s gang during Sleeping Beauty and Aladdin and I hope that they will look forward to the mayhem Ben will bring as Idle Jack in Dick Whittington.”

The 2018 show follows Dick and his cat as he travels to London to make his fortune and runs into a host of characters along the way.

Ben said: “I’m delighted to be back for a third year at the Lichfield Garrick.

“This place is starting to feel like home for Christmas, a beautiful city to be in for two months and a wonderful theatre.

“Dick Whittington is a panto I’ve been lucky enough to have been in before so I know the Lichfield audiences are in for a treat.”

Sam will return for the role of Dame Dolly. He said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to Lichfield in what I believe to be the best of British pantomimes.

“Dick Whittington is such a great show, and for our slosh fans there’s one of the greatest slosh scenes I’ve ever watched. What’s better than a comedy slosh scene, than one with Ben Thornton as well?

“I’m over the moon to have my side kick back for another year, I can’t wait to get started.”

Dick Whittington will run at the Garrick from November 30 to December 31. Tickets are available online or via the the box office on 01543 412121.

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Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.