AUDIENCES going along to see the Steventon village pantomime are being promised "a truly magical journey".

But, as well as exercising their chuckle muscles at the fun of the traditional Dick Whittington show, they will be helping to raise money for a very good cause.

The village's biennial panto raises money for the NSPCC charity. The last three shows have all made £4,000-plus for the organisation working to protect children.

Director Alex Jenkins said: "Our version of the Dick Whittington classic has something for everyone.

"From baby rats to ninja cats, it's a truly magical journey.

"I have enjoyed every minute of directing this show and I know the audience will love it as much as I do"

The title role of Dick Whittington is played by principal girl Laura King.

Down on his luck, destitute and desperate, there's a knock at Dick's door.

Unfortunately, it's the debt collectors again, so Dick decides to head to London where he's heard the streets are paved with gold and could solve the pressing problem of his impecuniousness.

But instead of roads shimmering with the hue of the precious metal, he finds them taken over by an infestation of rats. And to add to his disappointment the capital's citizens are far from friendly.

Things get better for Dick when he meets Alice, played by Cordy Williams, and falls in love, but, as we all know, the course of true romance never runs smoothly.

So, before we get to find if there will be a happy ending (oh, come on now, you know the answer to that one), Dick embarks on an adventure overseas before returning home again.

The show promises all the traditional elements of panto fun, but double the normal ration of cross-dressing laughs in having two dames, Stella, played by Jeremy Scott, and Becks (Richard Hornsby).

At opposite ends of the story's social spectrum are the respectable Alderman Fitzwarren, who is portrayed by Mike Davies, and the baddy King Rat (Edmund Bennett), who you might not want as a close acquaintance for obvious reasons.

The other characters in the tale include Biddy, played by Georgia Brennan Scott, Derek (Lee Orchard), Barry (Caroline Livingstone), Gary (Deborah Bennett), Mrs Green (Doreen Goddard), Mr Flower (Darren Coleman) and Mrs Butcher (Lorraine Keeler).

With tickets priced at £6.50 for adults and £5.50 for concessions, there are six chances to see the show at Steventon village hall - a 2.30pm matinee on Sunday, February 8; 7.30pm shows from Wednesday to Friday, February 11 to 13; and 2.30pm and 7.30pm shows on Saturday, February 14.

As well as ticket sales, raffles and refreshments go to help the funds raised for the NSPCC.

The tickets are available from Old Farmhouse Bakery in Steventon during opening hours only or by calling Margaret Hall on 01235 834067 or e-mailing her at asham07@yahoo.co.uk