Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Dick Whittington has gone in search of his cat…
Danny Adams, who plays Dick Whittington in this year’s Newcastle panto, has spent time volunteering alongside fellow star Steve Arnott, who plays King Rat, helping out the charity with their Christmas Appeal.
The shelter is running a pet toy appeal this Christmas, requesting that members of the public donate toys for animals who stay over the festive period.
Danny said: “Everyone knows Dick Whittington wouldn’t have got anywhere without his trusty cat by his side, so I was delighted to come down to help out with these needy cats in Newcastle. I’ve brought the big bad King Rat with me too, just in case these cats want someone to pounce on!”
Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter helps thousands of lost, unwanted, neglected, abused and abandoned animals every year. Leyla Rutter, Chief Executive of the Shelter, said: “We try not to re-home our animals over Christmas because it can be a very stressful time for pets, when houses are at their busiest and most chaotic with visitors and presents. That means we have lots of pets at the shelter over the festive period, and so we’re asking the public to help us out with toys to keep the animals entertained, and also help us to continue their development and socialisation as we get them ready to be re-homed in January.”
Danny Adams and Steve Arnott took time out of their busy panto schedule to volunteer feeding, grooming and handling the cats and kittens at the shelter. Steve said: “We do 92 performances of Dick Whittington over 55 days. It’s a very hectic schedule, but we love it, and it is wonderful to be able to come to places like this in our spare time and give a little something back to the community who support us throughout the season. Being from this area, I know what a great job the shelter does re-homing animals, and it’s a pleasure to be able to help with their appeal this year – I just hope the cats haven’t been trained to chase rats!”
Steve is just one of a clutch of Geordie talent gracing the Theatre Royal stage in this year’s panto.

The Whitley Bay baddie is getting his teeth into the grizzly role of King Rat alongside former Emmerdale actress Charlie Hardwick, who brings sparkle and shine as Spirit of the Tyne. Actor and comedian Pete Peverley takes on the lovable role of Bobby the Cat, and fair maiden Alice Fitzwarren is played by Jarrow actress Alice Stokoe.
The team join the fabulous father and son duo of Danny Adams (Dick Whittington) and Clive Webb (Councillor Fitzfenwick), who are firm favourites with Newcastle Theatre Royal audiences as they fill the stage with non-stop laughter, energy, slap-stick humour and of course the odd ‘acciderrrrnt’! Joining them once again is panto’s most dazzling dame, Chris Hayward, who will be entertaining all her ‘bonny bairns’ as Dame Rita Fitzfenwick, while adding a wardrobe full of glitz and glamour to the show.
The Theatre Royal panto is well-known for its spectacular sets, sensational music and dance, and hilarious comedy routines – and this year is no exception. Add to that plenty of local twists and humour, and you’re in for hods of bonny bairns, canny lasses and the odd radgie gadgie gracing the stage!
Audiences can also expect breathtaking special effects, once again provided by The Twins FX (the award-winning company behind previous years’ looping reindeer sleigh, flying helicopter and magic carpet). Plus, returning again due to popular demand, are incredible 3D special effects.
Dick Whittington is proudly supported by local Media Partner Heart North East and plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Sunday 17th January 2016. Tickets are available from £12.50 (pay less online) and can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (all calls are charged at 7p a minute plus your phone company’s access charge, calls from mobiles may vary, please contact your operator for details).