DICK Whittington will be hoping his cat is by his side when he takes to the stage of Minehead's Regal Theatre for the opening performance of this year's panto tomorrow (Saturday).

Snow and ice left 18-year-old Kirsten Wilsher - taking on her first principal role as the famous feline - without a costume for the dress rehearsal.

The wintery weather conditions proved too much for the vehicle bringing the fur-trimmed outfit to Minehead, but the all important cat was expecting to be fully clothed in time for the launch of the traditional entertainment.

Kris McNeil is back in the director's chair for Minehead Panto People's 2010 production.

This year's choice, Dick Whittington and his Cat by Peter Denyer, is based on the true story of Richard Whittington of Gloucestershire who sets out to seek his fame and fortune in the city of London where the streets are believed to be paved with gold.

From London docks to the deck of the good ship Lollipop, to the bottom of the sea to the shores of Morocco and home again, Dick - played by experienced and award winning actress Caroline Kelly - chases his fortune, ably assisted by his faithful cat.

After a break last year, Malcolm McNeil is back as dame, with his portrayal of Sarah the cook maintaining a tradition of more than 30 years in the role.

In addition to taking on the principal boy role, Caroline Kelly has also masterminded the principals' and chorus choreography, while the junior dancers have been under the wing of Manda Clarke.

The musical director is Dean Bradwell.

Kris, who also took a break from the festive fun in 2009, said she was delighted with how the production had shaped up.

"I'm really pleased with it and I think it's going to be wonderful, with a lot of laughs."

There are still empty seats for matinee performances tomorrow (January 1) and Sunday and Monday, with curtain up at 2.30pm.

Evening performances tomorrow and from Tuesday begin at 7.30pm and the panto runs until January 8.

Tickets up to £8 (group concessions) are available from the theatre box office on 01643 706430.