Dick Barton and the Curse of the Pharaoh’s Tomb

Dick Barton and the Curse of the Pharaoh’s Tomb is one of those gloriously specific pieces of theatre that might sound faintly baffling to anyone unfamiliar with the original radio serials. Rooted firmly in a very particular era of British storytelling, it wears its influences proudly with clipped accents, stiff upper lips, melodramatic villains and plucky heroes abounding. Thankfully, under Celia Bonner’s confident and playful direction, this production makes sure that even audience members encountering Dick Barton for the first time can enjoy the ride.

From the opening moments, the cast lean wholeheartedly into the heightened, tongue-in-cheek style that defines the show. Rather than trying to modernise it, they embrace its vintage charm, allowing the comedy to flow naturally from the characters and situations. The result is a fast paced, knowingly theatrical adventure that feels both nostalgic and joyfully silly in the best possible way.

Tom Broughton’s Dick Barton is a wonderfully assured central performance. He perfectly captures the “English public school gentleman” archetype, delivering his lines with crisp confidence and heroic sincerity that feels entirely authentic to the period. His Dick Barton is exactly the sort of fearless, unflappable hero you would expect, which makes the more ridiculous moments all the funnier. There is a lovely balance here between playing the role straight and allowing the humour to sparkle.

Colin Rice’s Hugo ‘Swanker’ White is another highlight, bringing a dry wit and impeccable timing to the part. His performance strongly evokes the stiff-upper-lip military men of classic British war films, and his delivery consistently draws laughs without ever becoming forced. Max Walker’s Jock adds a different flavour to the trio, and his Scottish accent is not only impressive in its consistency but also adds an extra layer of character and warmth to his performance. Hugh Everett’s Snowy rounds out the team nicely, providing solid comic support and helping to keep the group’s chemistry lively and engaging.

Sarah Kirk’s Julian ‘Piggy’ Petherington fits seamlessly into this world. Her performance is tonally spot on with the rest of the cast, matching the heightened, old-fashioned style perfectly while still feeling natural and grounded. She adds another welcome layer of comedy and character to the story, helping to enrich the ensemble rather than overpower it.

Victoria Ulett clearly relishes her role as Marta Heartburn, committing fully to the glamorous nightclub vamp persona. Her performance is delightfully theatrical, and she brings just the right amount of flair and mischief to make the character both fun and memorable.

Visually and creatively, the staging deserves special mention. The production finds inventive and playful ways to suggest locations, action and atmosphere, all while keeping the focus firmly on storytelling and performance. This creativity enhances the sense of stepping back into a bygone era of radio drama, cliff-hangers and bold adventure.

Overall, Dick Barton and the Curse of the Pharaoh’s Tomb is a charming, energetic and thoroughly enjoyable pr. It captures the spirit of the original material with style and affection, delivering an evening that is funny, nostalgic and full of character. Whether you are already a fan of Dick Barton or are discovering him for the first time, this production offers a delightful and entertaining escape into classic British adventure.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and thank you for the invitation.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.