September 23, 2010 4.34 pm This story is over 162 months old

Final stage for Dick Whittington hopefuls

The X-Factor: 12 local hopefuls will battle it out in a final to win the lead role of Christmas panto Dick Whittington.

The search to find Lincoln Drill Hall’s Christmas pantomime star is almost over, as 12 finalists have been selected.

The hopefuls will compete to become Dick Whittington on October 2 in front of an audience and judging panel, including Harry Potter’s Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley).

The search for the leading role actor in the Christmas panto began in August, when the Drill Hall lanuched a talent search across the county.

Hundreds applied, but on September 11 the applicants were cut down to just 12 contestants. The winner will get a professional acting contract as well as the part of Dick Whittington.

The play was produced by Jaime Marcus Productions, who decided auditions would be a great way of finding local talent instead of finding actors elsewhere.

Producer Jamie Marcus said: “Due to the success of programmes such as X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, we decided earlier this year that we would open the doors to anyone over the age of 18 to come and audition for the leading role in Dick Whittington this Christmas.

“I’m now just very excited about the live final and cannot wait to crown our star, and award them a professional acting contract.”

Judge Chris Rankin is currently studying the University of Lincoln, and will be playing King Weasley Rat in the underwater scene of the panto.

Julie Fox will be hosting the final and playing the devious Queen Rat, and Lincs FM DJ John Marshall will be starring as The Sultan of Morocco.

Fox said: “We have a fantastic event lined up, with twelve great performers all with something different to offer the role. I’m expecting lots of noise from the crowd and a few banners and t-shirts along the way!”

Tickets to be part of the final’s audience cost £5, while tickets for the pantomime, starting December 14, begin at £9.

Source: Lincoln Drill Hall