Dick Whittington

My first Pantomime of the season and we are off to a good start, a superb script this year (Alan Frayn Stage Right Creative Ltd) full of fun, keeping the audience happy throughout.  There are two Dick Whittingtons this year, on my evening it was Beth Beal looking the perfect principal boy, ably assisted byTom the Cat (Lousie Redfern) wearing the most unusual cat costume with excellent make-up.

The most scheming, wicked, nasty, vile "King Rat" was portrayed brilliantly by Martin Lawlor, quite a change of role for him, we usually see him in a frock as the Dame.  Lots of tip top jokes for young and old, especially of the "sewer" type.  All other principals worked extremely hard and had a good rapport with the audience.

In Act two the Dame and Idle Jack had lots of slap stick with pastry and water in the Galley scene, then up on to the deck where several principals performed a funny routine with Mops.  After the ship wreck we were treated to an underwater scene complete with a diver, lots of fish and oysters  lit with florescent lighting.

Five of the main characters had the audience rolling with laughter when they performed "If I Was Not Upon A Ship"- something else I'd like to be.  It was the first night and there were one or two blips, but they soon got into their stride and it was laughter all the way.  As usual St. Matthew's finished with a lovely Christmas scene complete with snow.  Well Done!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.