THE dastardly King Rat was preparing to pounce on Dick Whittington and his cat in Oxford yesterday.

Sneaking through a cellar hatch outside the Playhouse in Beaumont Street, the villain was planning a scheme.

He was hoping to prevent the hero, played by Ashley Emerson, and his pet feline Tigerbilly, played by Tori Moone, both pictured with him, from seeking their fortune in the city.

The pantomime is running at the Oxford Playhouse throughout the festive season, up to Sunday, January 13.

King Rat, better known as actor Reuben Kaye, said: “That cat has been a thorn in my side since day one. She has done everything in her power to stop me.

“Dick is just a silly boy band hero who thinks he’s going to make it in London and he’s not.

“I hope lots of children come down to see the panto. If there’s anything else I like more than gold it’s the sound of children booing me. It makes my tail tingle.”

For tickets, see oxfordplayhouse.com or call 01865 305305.