Dick Turpin - A Pantomime

Dick Turpin is a well-known historical character with some strong links to the Heckington area.  His nefarious exploits have passed into legend along with his gang ‘The Essex Boys.’  He has become sort of an anti-hero but not really what could be described as a ‘loveable rogue’ in real life.  Kei Bailey has taken the essence of the legend and in his own words ‘created a parallel–universe Dick Turpin’ while incorporating all the elements of a traditional pantomime with a supernatural twist. In the hands of director Glen Barker, I knew I was in for a swash-buckling evening’s entertainment. 

Our story commences with an introduction from fairy Wanda Wave (Alison Johnson-Smith, in her debut performance with the society) complaining bitterly about her fairy intro music which gives her ‘tinnitus.’  Wanda Wave warns us about ‘brigands and robbers’ especially Dick Turpin the notorious highway man and his gang of thieves.  Alison gave a wonderful performance as the ‘cheesed off’ fairy smashing through the fourth wall to air her many grievances in the style of a Lincolnshire Sarah Millican.  I loved her banter with the sound guy (Callum Thursby) who prompted her subsequent entrances with various hilarious sound effects.  

We then meet Dick Turpin and his gang performing in a rip-roaring version of ‘Giddy up.’   Dick, played with sardonic elegance by Paige Ruddlesdin, showed instantly she was totally in command of proceedings. Dressed in sumptuous blue velvet and sporting a tri-corner hat, she strutted confidently around the stage. Paige managed to keep the character of Dick just the right side of dashing villain while keeping an edge of arrogance. 

Living in the village of ‘Little Widdle in the Wood’ are the Carrots: Cora, Arthur and the matriarch of the family Fertiliza (Liza with an Z to her friends played by Kei Bailey.)  Arthur (played with winsome charm by Aaron Pettican) set the comedy bar via a string of horse jokes.  Aaron bantered confidently with the audience and his scenes with his mother were some of the many highlights of the show.  I especially liked their ‘Dance of the Sugar Lump Fairy’ and the balloon ballet scene, which Aaron treated with the seriousness of a real pas de deux.  Arthur’s sister, Cora (Hannah Priestley) was a confident, sassy young woman who had a passion for her invention ‘Carrot Oke’ and led the ensemble in a pacy version of ‘Shut Up and Dance’ demonstrating some strong vocals. 

Fertiliza herself was played by the incomparable Kei Bailey who led the show but also allowed each of his co-stars to shine.  Kei is a master (or should that be mistress?) of the quick fire one liner and the audience loved being ‘roasted’ by him.  As dame, he wore a dazzling array of themed frocks each more outrageous than the last promoting guffaws of laughter from the audience.  Every scene Fertiliza was in was pure comedy gold and the relationship with her son Arthur was wonderful each setting the other up with excellent comic timing. 

More comedy was provided by the town watch village constable Gilbert Hobnail (David O’Brien) and his hapless assistant, Dilbert Boot (Kelly Anderson.)  Gilbert, as the one in charge, tried in vain to train dozy Dilbert in the duties of a constable’s assistant but was thwarted by Dilbert’s constant misunderstandings all delivered with an innocent knowing smile at the audience. My favourite was the hairdresser scene with poor Gilbert at the mercy of Fertiliza and her ‘assistant’ Arthur, ending up covered in shaving cream and his hair dyed vivid green.  He bemoaned the fact that he had performed in Hamlet, being somehow superior to the rest of the cast, resulting in him performing a Shakespearian soliloquy and being ‘hooked’ off stage by the director!

Back to the forest we meet the evil witch Nefaria Chilblain (Colette Buchanan-Grey on top form as the villainess) who, because of her cruel deeds, has been condemned by a magic spell to be imprisoned in an oak tree and cannot leave the forest.    Sporting a two-tone red and black wig, Colette sparred brilliantly with Wanda Wave and snarled at the audience, threatening to turn them all into frogs.  Nefaria required a sapphire necklace to release her, and she knows just the person to get it for her.  Another highlight was the feisty duet ‘Loathing’ between Wanda and Nefaria.  Her fourth wall breaking comments regarding the show ‘it’s every actress for herself’ and bemoaning the state of her dressing room were also very funny.  

Nefaria was accompanied by her snivelling sidekick, the goblin Snivel Sprout (Ed Griggs in his debut performance with the society) covered in vibrant green make-up, he had a Caliban type demeanour, and excellent physical movements.  I loved the way he grovelled to his mistress watching the rest of the villagers with an air of bemusement while casually tucking into an apple. 

Dick Turpin takes on the pseudonym Rick Turnip and makes a grand entrance leading the equally legendary steed Black Bess (ensemble members Sue Fletcher and Joseph Gilliard) down the aisle.  Black Bess was one of the most beautiful panto horses I’ve ever seen and resulted in lots of appreciative murmurs from the audience.  She was also very sprightly on her hooves even joining her owner on stage. 

Dick checks into the ‘Chuck It Inn’ the local coach house run by Molly Coddle (Mandie Collier in her debut with the society) where he meets the aristocratic Lady Ermintrude Portcullis (Melanie Priestley sporting a convincing upper-class accent) the owner of the sapphire necklace.  Obviously, the necklace is stolen resulting in the constable and his assistant to be drafted in to investigate the dastardly crime.  

Will Dick release the evil Nefaria as agreed or double-cross everyone, even the good-hearted, trusting Cora who has developed a soft spot for Rick Turnip is he really a ‘Bad Boy’ or will he find a chink of a conscience?

The ensemble (Sue Porter, Jenni Chamberlain and Linda Mallett) performed well taking on the roles of the villagers and Dick Turpin’s gang.  I loved their enthusiastic performance of ‘Oom Pa Pa’ getting the audience to join in with the chorus.  

The set was well built switching from woodland to the Inn with a minimum of furnishings so that the cast could move freely around the stage.  Some of the scene changes were a little slow especially bringing in and setting up the huge tree for Nefaria’s forest scene and the Tiddly Tree comedy sketch, but this is understandable considering it was the opening night and the amount of space behind stage.  There were also some microphone issues, but this did not detract from the overall performance.

Costumes (Linda Wilson and Marie Jones) were beautiful, well-designed and appropriate to the theme and character.  I loved Kei’s various costumes, especially the highwaywoman ensemble at the end as the whole cast joined in with an up roaring rendition of what else but ‘Stand and Deliver.’

Well done to director Glen Barker, producer Jaqui Hodgetts, stage manager Mags Lennard and the team of creatives behind stage who worked together to bring this performance to life.  Also, Kei Bailey, for creating an original storyline which turned the traditional panto on its head.  Laughs came thick and fast, and the audience loved every minute as did I.  Thank you for the lovely warm welcome from Glen and chairman Keith Baggley (who was also the Lighting Operator.)  It was also a delight to meet some of the cast after the show.  Congratulations to all! 

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