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Rehearsals Begin for Dick Whittington! Plus, learn more about our access performances

A group of people in a studio jump in the air with one hand pointing up and the other to the side

The festive spirit has arrived as rehearsals for Dick Whittington kick off! 

The talented cast have gathered in Newburyshire, ready to bring this timeless tale to life with plenty of laughs, thrilling adventures, and all the classic Newbury Panto charm. With the journey from the rehearsal room to the stage now underway, this year’s production promises to deliver unforgettable fun and surprises for audiences of all ages. 

Three people wear dark t-shirts stand with their thumbs facing upwards
Two people, a man with dark jeans and a dark shirt points at a woman wearing a white top and vest with dark jeans, also pointing back

Running from Friday 29 November to Sunday 5 January, Dick Whittington invites families to embark on an enchanting journey where dreams come true. Meeting friends and facing foes along the way, follow Dick and his trusty cat Cosmo on their quest to spread Newburyshire cheer to the streets of London. 

A man in a dark blue shirt with his hands stretched above him opens his mouth wide in a laugh
A girl with a shocked expression wears green overalls with a yellow phone

The Corn Exchange is proud to make this year’s pantomime accessible to as many people as possible, offering a variety of performances tailored to meet different needs. On Thursday 5 December at 7pm there will be a BSL Performance, where a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter will bring every song, joke, and magical moment to life for D/deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. For those who benefit from on-screen text, the Captioned Performance on Saturday 14 December at 5pm ensures every laugh and lyric is easy to follow. 

For families and individuals seeking a more flexible and welcoming environment, the Relaxed Performance on Monday 23 December at 1pm is designed with adjusted sound and lighting, allowing attendees to move about or make noise as needed. Finally, the Audio Described Performance on Thursday 2 January at 5pm offers vivid verbal descriptions of the onstage action, costumes, and set changes, creating a rich experience for blind or visually impaired audience members. 

The Corn Exchange’s commitment to inclusivity ensures that as many people as possible can join in the panto magic. For more information about access performances and Dick Whittington, click here or contact the Box Office on 01635 522733. 

Photo Credit: Richard Lakos