Ashton, 8, puts panto cast through its paces

The schoolboy choreographed last year’s production and for Puss in Boots he has stepped it up.

“He has not only selected and perfected the dance moves but has also been to some of the night-time rehearsals to make sure the cast get the moves right,” said his mum Lynsey who also directs the production.

“He has even been giving the cast lessons in how to do the Floss,” she said.

Ashton got the job as choreographer last year after telling his mum she was rubbish at dancing.

“I had to tell her that she was not dancing very well and she asked me how would I dance to the panto song she was playing so I showed her some moves,” he said.

“Puss in Boots is packed with fun, mischief, love and of course fabulous dance moves from Ashton,” said Lynsey.

The cast is:

Katie Farmer as the Royal Herald, the Cute Village Girl, the Giddy Gypsy and a cheeky rabbit

Jonathan Hirst as our hero Tom; Louise Farmer as Puss in Boots

Geoff Farnworth as our rotten Chamberlain; John Elgie and Barry Ibbotson as Ping and Pong

Chris Roberts as Cat Catcher; Leslie Couldwell as the dame; George Rowden and Chris Davey as King and Queen; Samantha Andersson as Princess Katherine; Jackie Ayre as Ogre; James Andersson and Tony Ayre as Billy and Ben

Chris Starkie as orphan Lucy and Gypsy King; Claire Sharpe as Deputy Matron, Daisy;

Sharon Cawood as orphan John and Mystic Meg

Jess Kay as orphan Annie and Gypsy Rose; Clare Beckett and Peter Roth as George and Ted

Production cast

Lynsey Farnworth and Leslie Couldwell – director and assistant director

Anna Phelps and Simon Gardner – Puss in Boots band; Clare Beckett – costume designer; Katie Farmer – make-up artist ; Ashton Farnworth – choreographer; Roger Herringshaw, Rick Illingworth, Roger Amies-King, Jan Kojro, Mick Cawood and Kevin Haines – stage crew

Jon Beckett – lighting; Mike Turner – sound; Sarah Mortimer – set designer; Roger Amies-King and Mick Cawood – painter and decorators

Brenda and Barry Ibbetson – props; Kay Herringshaw, Avril Kojro, Kevin Haines and staff at Whixley shop working at the box office.

Steve Wright, Ian McNeill– advertising, marketing and publicity

Dee Wright and team of volunteers – front of house

The panto is on at Whixley Village Hall from Thursday January 30 to Saturday February 1, daily at 7.30pm plus a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

Tickets from Whixley village shop.