Dick Whittington

Karen Purser and the Front of House Team welcomed us into the auditorium, which was decorated out as an old London public house, creating a nice atmosphere for the Pantomime that was to come. The much loved story of Dick Whittington, was retold with a modern twist. Dick’s reason for heading to London, played with great personality by Anne Marie King, was to take part in the X Factor finals and become famous. His cat Felix, who assists Dick in his endeavours, was played in great “Red Dwarf” style by Richard Binks. In order to succeed they had to avoid being foiled by Sir Gary of all things Charitable, played by David Watson, and Lord Louis of Limerick, played by Kerry McNair, these two characters made a great double act with good comedy timing between them. John Hill was very funny as Davina McCallback, the shows host. Marianne Fritton as Monty Zoomer and Lesley Browning as Mick the Brick, were another comedy double act that worked well in places but didn’t quite pull it off in the slapstick scene. Chris Clifton and Wolfie Hammerbacker as Hopit and Mopit, gave good performances but were unfortunately, an unnecessary double act, who were outdamed by John Hill. The Bow Belles played by Harriet Haynes, Kristen Mason, Debbie Chester and Kay Elkin, carried the show along with their songs, and achieved some very nice harmonies. Kyna Simpson as Felix’s love interest, the seductive Tulisa Purrfect, gave a competent performance.

This was a cleverly designed set, by Ken Smith, nicely painted and well constructed by the Wetzel Family, Neill Pleasants, Jo-Ann Millington, Anne Lea, David Alexander, & Esther Crook, that made good use of the limited stage without imposing on the performance area. The Lighting and Sound by Dave & Kate Maltby, was also very well designed and executed. Costumes by Emma Simpson and Esther Crook, were very good indeed, as were the Props by Phillippa Patel, Sue Dixon, Debbie Morrison and Sally Kisgeretz. Sarah Rees’s Musical Direction was good as was her band, Keith Mason, David Montgomery Law & Stuart Olley. Sean Webb’s Choreography was simple but effective. I really enjoyed this script by John Beeteson, Di Clark & Anna Marie King, despite the overkill of Pantomime Dames, and thought it had all of the elements you would expect from a traditional Panto. RaeAnna Hammerbacker’s Direction was slick and well placed maintaining a good pace throughout.

A very enjoyable Production from Melodramatics.

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