Dick Whittington

This production kicked off my panto going season nicely and although it seemed to be a somewhat truncated version, all the necessary parts of the story and the characters that we know and love, were there, helped by the Harlequin Dancers who used their considerable talents in many of the scenes.

A swashbuckling hero is always very necessary in a panto and Georgie Bancroft gave us just that in her portrayal of Dick Whittington with of course his cat, Thomas, played charmingly by Kara Fairhall.  Tony Garwood played Sarah the Cook with aplomb and Judith Foot as Idle Jack was great fun.

Mrs Fitzwarren was played by Nasim Chillcott and Alice, her daughter by Lynn Enever both making the story go with a swing and both playing other parts as well.  The three Belles of Shoreditch, Mell Bell, Nell Belle and Rochelle Belle were played with verve by Mandie Fairhall, Monika Stankova and Jenny Day in unison, making sure that we knew there would be a happy ending with the words “Turn Again Whittington” etc.

Panto wouldn’t be panto without a baddie and Roni Bromley as King Rattus was just that with her rats – Zubin Chillcott as Ralphie and Holly Klassen as Raylene with More Rats played by Imogen Arthur, Grace Collier and Jess Collier, all determined to ruin Dick’s chances of glory.

There were many other parts and those playing them all contributed well, including Gillian Veck as Norma the Narrator who made sure that we knew where the story was going in great style.

Costumes and scenery were ideal, the minimal scenery being easily moved and the programme was well produced – always good to see those happy smiling faces in the programme!

Ricky Horscraft’s Show Band made an excellent sound and the standard of singing was high throughout.

Peacehaven’s panto launched the Christmas festivities, thanks to Co-Directors Mandie Fairhall and Nasim Chillcott, Musical Director Ricky Horscraft and Choregraphers Janice Turner and Mandie Fairhall and all involved backstage and all other ways.                                               

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.