A VILLAGE drama club is performing its 74th pantomime next week.

Alderholt Drama Club will perform Dick Whittington at the Alderholt Village Hall throughout three nights, as well as a matinee showing on the fourth night.

This performance is Alderholt Drama’s 74th year, their first panto was performed in 1949.

The club was first formed after a successful performance of Cinderella under the WI umbrella in 1948. Recent productions include Puss in Boots, Jack and the Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty, Sinbad, Snow White, Alice, Humpty Dumpty, Pinocchio and Aladdin.

The club hosts an annual charity night on a Friday, to raise money for a local cause. This year the money will be going towards fixing St James’ church roof.

A full synopsis of this years performance reads:

Follow Dick Whittington, a fine young man from Gloucester who seeks his fame in London, where he’s heard the streets are paved with gold. He sets off to the city and on his way he meets a feline friend, Tommy. All thanks to Fairy Bowbells. 

When he gets to London, he finds Alderman Fitzwarren’s shop, where he meets and falls in love with Alice Fitzwarren, who’s father bestows the task of guarding the safe. Unfortunately, London is under a plague of rats led by the infamous King Rat, or whatever his name is. King Rat robs the safe and frames Dick. 

Join Dick Whittington, Sarah the Cook (the Alderman’s lousy chef), her son Idle Jack, and a host of other colourful comedic characters as they try to rid London and the world of King Rat. 

The performances will take place on Thursday, February 8, Friday, February 9 and Saturday, February 10 (which will feature a matinee performance).

Tickets are available at the door or they can be purchased in advance from Alderholt Co-op's Post Office.

Tickets cost £9 per Adult and £4.50 per Child. (Senior Citizens get tickets for £5 on Thursday).

This is director Samuel Davis' second time directing the Alderholt Drama Club Pantomime. He is currently in his final year of university, studying Musical Theatre at the University of Winchester and once he finishes his degree, he hopes to further develop his directorial skills within the industry and delve into production management. 

It is also Samuel’s 10th year appearing with the Alderholt Drama Club and he is their resident Dame.

Samuel is: "very excited for people to come and watch the amazing cast" and he is "extremely proud of the hard work they have all put in."