Dick Whittington

'Dick Whittington' has to be the most popular of pantomimes and one which holds many happy memories for me, as over 30 years ago, I played a feisty 'Dick' and my son an endearing 'Tommy the Cat'.

The success of this pantomime lies in the fact that it's based on a true story - always the best starting point! Richard Whittington Esquire must have been quite a guy - three times Lord Mayor of London; in the real story, his famous cat was sold to the Sultan of Morocco, to get rid of the rat problem. I'm not keen on that, as I love the fact that in the pantomime story, Tom sails back to London as a hero! Garforth presented a faithful interpretation of the tale that delighted its audience, full to capacity the night I attended. The Director, Gavin Simpson-White had assembled a small but enthusiastic cast to bring the rags-to-riches story of Dick W to life - to bring such a large show as this onto the small stage of a Hall is no mean feat and there were some good characterisations. The Musical Director, Richard Sharp, had chosen an interesting mix of modern and old-style songs to complement the action and the cast sung with gusto. Molly Holmes played a spirited 'Dick', with a pleasing singing voice. Amelia Jackson had taken over at three hours notice the part of 'Alice Fitzwarren' owing to the indisposition of Lauren Aalbregt. She managed magnificently and was word and song perfect - a real trooper! The Dame on this occasion was 'Dolly Dumpling' played by Chris White - He had an excellent rapport with the audience and some outrageous costumes! The 'baking' scene with 'Idle Jack', played engagingly by Rosie White, was hilarious - these two characters worked very well together. Michael Arnold was a 'proper' Alderman Fitzwarren' and Lucy Sharp a perfect 'Tom the Cat' - I would have liked to see Lucy a bit more cat-like on all fours, making the character more believable. 'Fairy Bowbells' was played prettily by Rebecca Haigh, always trying to thwart a suitably nasty 'Queen Rat' played by Joanne Jackson - she maintained a high standard all the way through the performance, well done! Barbara Hawksworth and Lynne Hill played 'Captain Cuttlefish and 'Scupper' respectively, making the most of their performances. Ken Hill played the 'Sultan of Morocco' with aplomb. The four young men playing 'Ratlings' and the Chorus worked hard in their various scenes.

Lynne Hill was Choreographer - she created moves that fitted in well on the stage.

The hard-working backstage team have to be congratulated on a pretty set, good lighting, sound, make-up, costumes, props and stage crew, with Andrew Oxtoby as Stage Manager. I must make a special mention of Brenda Knowles, their indefatigable pianist, also Ben Stone on drums and the Front of House team, who always make their patrons so welcome.

This made a lovely evening's entertainment for the good citizens of Garforth - and a trip down memory lane for a wistful 'Dick Whittington' - thank you and many congratulations!

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