THE village of Kerry is to have its own pantomime in the new year with the new ‘Doing it for a Laugh Community Theatre’ getting ready to perform their version of “Dick Whittington and his Cat”.

It will be staged at Kerry Village Hall at 8pm, on Friday and Saturday, January 3 and 4, with proceeds from the shows shared between the Severn Hospice and Cancer Research UK charities.

The new Community Theatre company has been set up by Russ Evans and Clare Jones and they have chosen the story of the boy whose adventures lead him eventually to become the Lord Mayor of London to be their first production.

Russ worked as a professional actor for 15 years, touring in shows all over the UK, as well as starring in 27 episodes of ITV’s “Bottom Knocker Street” with Phil Jupitus.

Clare has been involved in community and YFC theatre projects for more than 30 years.

“We are both really excited to be bringing this production to the area,” says Russ who will be playing the part of Dame, with Olivia Jones as Dick Whittington, and Ryan Vaughan as the Cat.

The show contains some adult humour, so parental discretion is advised for those under 13.

Rehearsals were being held at the Monty Club in Newtown. Tickets are £5 each and are available from Russ on 07815 188927 and Clare on 07741 001625. Doors open at 7.30, shows start at 8pm.

Meanwhile Brad Fitt and the Evolution Pantomime crew are still at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, with a total of 71 shows of this year’s magical show “Aladdin”, through to Sunday, January 12.

NYP Theatre, Newtown’s local group for talented young musical theatre students, will be staging “Cinderella” at The Hafren theatre, with shows at 2.30 and 7.30pm on Saturday, January 18.

Rhayader’s recording artist vocalist Paul Dark has been signed up to play Smee in “Peter Pan”, the new pantomime by The Wardens theatre company which will be staged at Aberystwyth Arts Centre from Friday, January 10.

The Westenders company at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, will open with “Jack and the Beanstalk” on Saturday, January 18, for the first of 10 shows.

Rhayader Players will be staging “Aladdin” in February.