THE opening night of a Colchester theatre's seasonal pantomime took to the stage last week and wowed the audience with its festive charm.

Ben Crocker's version of the classic adventure of Dick Whittington and his Cat is currently being performed at the Headgate Theatre, in Chapel Street.

Following a traditional pantomime structure, the play features love, laughter, mischief, songs and a hilarious dame who lights up the stage.

The first performance last Thursday got off to a shaky start following some unavoidable technical issues which resulted in sounds and images failing to be projected on backdrops.

However, with the team's quick thinking skills and improv, the show started only 15 minutes late, with every lost image recreated within that time.

With the improvised sound effects and minor mischievous mishaps along the way, the show saw the audience descend into fits of giggles throughout the two hour performance.

The pantomime will be staged from until December 9.

Tickets cost £15 while tickets for under 16ss and full time students are free.

For more information and to book tickets visit ticketsource.co.uk/headgatetheatre.