Joan Collins to appear in pantomime

[dutchman]

Joan Collins has signed up to make her pantomime debut in Birmingham.

The 76-year-old Dynasty legend is to play the role of Queen Rat in a production of Dick Whittington at the city's Hippodrome venue this Christmas.

Comedian Julian Clary and Coronation Street star Nigel Havers have also been cast in the play, along with ventriloquist Keith Harris and his famous puppet Orville the Duck.

Speaking of the signings, Hippodrome chief executive Stuart Griffiths said: "It's very exciting to confirm such a star-studded pantomime cast. Birmingham audiences really love their pantos and this is a real coup for the city - the news will be greeted with huge anticipation."

Dick Whittington will launch at the theatre on December 18 and run until January 11, 2011.