The Wyvern Theatre in Swindon have revealed details of their Christmas 2002 pantomime.

Doctor Who star, Colin Baker, will be making his second panto appearance in the town in Dick Whittington.

It may not even be summer yet but The Wyvern Theatre in Swindon is already planning this year's pantomime.

The theatre recently confirmed that this December will see a production of Dick Whittington which will star ex-Doctor Who actor, Colin Baker, and local dancer and Wyvern panto regular, Pollyann Tanner of The Tanwood Dancers.

Pollyann Tanner

Both have appeared in panto at the Wyvern in the past. Colin played Dame Durden in Jack and the Beanstalk four years ago and Pollyann played Dandini in last year's Cinderella.

Ted Doan, Wyvern General Manager said: "To announce such names as this so early is fantastic. We are delighted that Pollyann is returning after last year, she really shone, and to welcome Colin back to the Wyvern is fantastic."

No other cast members have been confirmed as yet however Ted promised that there would be a few surprises.

"We are keeping the rest of the cast under wraps for the time being, but all I can say is we have a real treat in store for audiences this year."

Colin Baker is a pantomime veteran who has appeared in numerous seasonal shows over the last twenty years. This is the sixth Dick Whittington production he has been involved in.

"This year I'm Sarah the Cook," he said. "But in the past I've played Dick himself, King Rat and the Captain."

Colin is also more than happy to be returning to Swindon and cites the Wyvern production of Jack and The Beanstalk as possibly his favourite.

"It was very enjoyable. Swindon is a nice town with nice people. It is also relatively close to home to commute to so I get to spend Christmas with my family as well."

Although he has starred in The Brothers, Blake's 7, Juliet Bravo and The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, Colin is possibly best known for playing Doctor Who's sixth incarnation between 1984-86.

Colin Baker as he appeared in Doctor Who

Although the series ended in 1989, interest in the show still thrives and Colin is regularly called upon to reprise his role in a series of professional audio plays that are regularly released on CD.

Colin believes that audio is the perfect medium to bring the fantastical adventures of the Doctor to life.

"The joy about audio is that it is limited only by the audiences imagination," he said.

"Corridors don't wobble, the monster's are truly scary and you can blow up a planet without worrying how much the special effects will cost."

He can currently be seen touring the country in Terence Rattigan's wartime stage drama, 'Flare Path'.

He will then be starring in a nationwide tour of Gerald Moon's comedy thriller 'Corpse!', the run of which will overlap with his Dick Whittington role.

He admitted that he can't wait to chew the scenery and dress up as a dame once more.

He said: "I'm looking forward to it enormously, it's going to be great."

Dick Whittington runs from December 13th 2002 to January 11th 2003. Tickets are £12.50 and £13.50. The Wyvern Theatre box office can be contacted on 01793 524481.