PLANS for the festive season are already starting to take shape for Middlesbrough Theatre with the announcement of one of the major stars of this year's pantomime line-up.

Todd Carty, famed for his roles as Mark Fowler in EastEnders and Tucker Jenkins in Grange Hill, will be treading the boards when he takes on the role of King Rat in Dick Whittington.

Presented by Extravaganza Productions in association with Middlesbrough Theatre, people can already buy tickets to watch Dick and his trusty cat seek fame, fortune and happiness on his quest to become the Lord Mayor of London.

But his dreams don't go quite to plan as finds the streets filled with rats.

There will be dazzling costumes, spellbinding special effects and lots of audience participation that will keep the whole family entertained and amused.

Tickets are on sale now and can be bought through the box office on 01642-81581 or book online at www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

l Dick Whittington is at Middlesbrough Theatre, from Friday, December 7 to Sunday, January 6.