Theatre & Dance

Fans of the classic Doctor Who series are in for a treat this Christmas as actors Terry Molloy and Colin Baker prepare for panto of intergalactic proportions.

The former Doctor will once again be up against his arch nemesis Davros, as both actors join the cast of Dick Whittington at the Norwich Theatre Royal.

However, in a cunning twist, their roles are reversed with Colin Baker taking on the role of the evil King Rat and Terry Molloy playing the kind hearted Alderman Fitzwarren and the Sultan.

The sixth Doctor and Davros

Terry Molloy

Terry, who lives in Bawburgh near Norwich, played the Dalek's creator Davros in three seasons of Doctor Who - working with Colin Baker on Revelation Of The Daleks and Attack Of The Cybermen.

He also been a cast member of BBC Radio 4's The Archers for 34 years playing Mike Tucker.

"It's going to be a delight to be in Dick Whittington, I'm really looking forward to treading the boards again, this time with Colin Baker, but with me playing the goodie and him the baddie for once," said Terry.

"I've done panto before, but this is the first one I've done in many years.

"I don't tend to do panto as it means being away from home at Christmas, but this year I can combine both, which is a delight," he added.

Colin Baker

Colin Baker is well known for his role as the sixth incarnation of the Doctor, as well Paul Merroney in The Brothers.

Colin has made many appearances at Norwich Theatre Royal, most recently as Arthur Gerard in Strangers On A Train in 2006, which also starred former Doctor Who cast member Will Thorp.

Richard Gauntlett as Sarah The Cook

Dickie's back

The cast for Dick Whittington also includes Richard Gauntlett as Sarah the Cook.

Richard is now a familiar face in Norfolk as he has been involved in the Theatre Royal's for a number of years.

Richard has also written and directed the last five pantos in Norwich, breaking box office records in each successive year.

He's joined by funny man Nick Staverson as Idle Jack, Ali James as Alice Fitzwarren, sisters Georgina Todd who will play Dick's cat Tommy and Tiffany Todd, who will play Fairy Bowbells.

Dick Whittington runs at the Norwich Theatre Royal from Wednesday, 19 December, 2007 to Sunday, 20 January, 2008.