Dick Whittington

Pantomime around Easter, and why not?  The Watsons` response to moving from their traditional slot early in the year, due to the closure of Derby`s Guildhall Theatre, was to thrill their followers with a top drawer presentation cluttered with classy performances.

The script by Damian Trasler, David Lovesy and Steve Clark was packed with laughter-filled one liners.  In particular Nigel Taylor, as Dame Sarah was in his element extracting every ounce of comedy in an outstanding performance,  I lost count of the number of outrageous dresses that he wore.  Wayne Perry as the Jack Sparrow lookalike, Long John Tin Foil, gave an over the top hilarious performance.  Jessica Baird, as Dick Whittington was just right as the principal boy,  and together with Alice, played with confidence by Ellie Mallinson, there were good vocals from both.   Angela Barradell as the Spirit of London linked the show effectively as the narrator with a sound Cockney accent.  Angela Swift was an adorable French minx as Tiddles/Louis the Cat.  The baddies were in fine form in the shape of Jack Woolley as King Rat, ably assisted by Yvonne Baird as Nip, and Jake Perry as Tuck, gaining the appropriate `Boos` from the delighted audience.  Trevor Chambers as Alderman Fitzwarren, and Karen Jones as Barrow Boy Billy completed a very talented principal line.

Energetic support came from an enthusiastic chorus and dance troupe.  The set was effective and the costumes, complemented by good character make-up, were as always, superb.  All made for an entertaining and classy panto.

Great credit must go to the production team, and super costume team.  The essence of any good production is to maintain a good tempo and audience attention throughout, the Watsons at Easter certainly did that.

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