A little theatre in North Norfolk is teaming up with a big theatre in London to add power to its panto.

But Sheringham Little Theatre is also looking closer to home through another tie-up with Paston Sixth Form College at North Walsham to find some of its talent.

The seaside venue's festive production of Dick Whittington is one with a modern flavour originally done by the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith.

Little Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: 'We wanted to do Dick Whittington with an exciting twist went to see the Lyric's version and it was ideal - so I called them and they were happy to help us.'

The big London venue will also assist with props, costumes and casting advice and its assistant director Dan Herd will help with panto director Simon Thompson - Debbie's husband who is a drama teacher at Paston and has previously led community shows at Sheringham.

Mrs Thompson said she hoped other co-operation could follow from the Lyric link including its youth academy - one of whose members Nathan Bryonhad been chosen to play the panto cat.

Auditions have now been held at Paston college for Scaramouche, King Rat's sidekick - with Georgia Goodson and Dominic Sands succeeding in landing the split role.

The young hopefuls were put through their paces by panto choreographer Daniel Elliott - a 23-year-old Paston old boy who has gone on to gain a dance degree and run his own company in London.

He put them through their paces to a Lady GaGa song and said the standard was very high.

Paston students filmed the addition and a creative media course will chart the other preparations and show itself for a documentary towards their course work.

The panto will blend local talent with professional actors - including Aaron White taking the lead role and last year's dame Russell Hicken returning to play Sarah the Cook.

Auditions for more youngsters with singing, dancing and acting qualifications will be held at Sheringham community centre on Saturday September 3. A session for under-10s as rats runs from 10-11.30 with 11-18s vying for a variety of roles from 12.30-2.30.