From the star-studded cast to show dates, here is all you need to know ahead of Dick Whittington and his Cat opening at Norwich Theatre Royal.

When is the pantomime running and what are the timings?

The show runs from Saturday, December 11 until Sunday, January 9 2022, except for December 13, 14, 20, 25 and January 1, 4 and 5.

Timings vary but every day there is a morning or afternoon showing and an evening performance.

Eastern Daily Press: Gyasi Sheppy who will be playing Dick Whittington in this year's Theatre Royal panto, Dick Whittington and his Cat. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYGyasi Sheppy who will be playing Dick Whittington in this year's Theatre Royal panto, Dick Whittington and his Cat. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

What is the plot of Dick Whittington and his Cat?

This classic pantomime tells the rags to riches tale of a young man leaving home on a quest for fame and fortune with just a spotted handkerchief and his cat.

It has once again been written by Richard Gauntlett and will feature slapstick comedy, catchy songs, a live band, dazzling dance routines and lots of audience participation.

Eastern Daily Press: Graham Cole, who starred in the 2021 panto, is returning to the Theatre Royal.Graham Cole, who starred in the 2021 panto, is returning to the Theatre Royal. (Image: Archant 2021)

Who is in this year's panto?

Graham Cole OBE, who starred as PC Tony Stamp in The Bill for 25 years, will be playing Alderman Fitzwarren.

Comedian and actor Joe Tracini, who played Dennis Savage in Hollyoaks, is Tommy the Cat and Cutting It's Siân Reeves is Queen Rat.

Also starring is Jarnéia Richard-Noel, who most recently played Catherine of Aragon in musical Six on the West End, as Alice Fitzwarren, multi-instrumentalist Joe Pollard as Idle Jack, CBeebies presenter Gyasi Sheppy as Dick and Shakeel Kimotho as the Spirit of Bow Bells.

Eastern Daily Press: Jarnéia Richard-Noel, who is Alice Fitzwarren in this year's Theatre Royal panto, Dick Whittington and his Cat. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYJarnéia Richard-Noel, who is Alice Fitzwarren in this year's Theatre Royal panto, Dick Whittington and his Cat. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

How long does the show last?

Dick Whittington and his Cat lasts two hours, which includes an interval.

Are there any accessible performances?

There will be a captioned performance on Sunday, January 2, a signed one on Monday, January 3, a relaxed show on Thursday, January 6 and it will be audio described on Saturday, January 8.

Where can I park?

There are plenty of car parks in Norwich city centre, but the nearest to Norwich Theatre Royal are The Forum and Chantry Place.

How much are tickets and where can I buy them?

Tickets start at £18.50 for adults, £16 for over-60s and £15 for under-18s at norwichtheatre.org or call the box office on 01603 630000.