Dick Whittington

As with all pantos, Dick Whittington has a good storyline and plenty of opportunities for all the fun and games that go with the genre. Seaford took the opportunities starting with the evil Queen Rat, played with panache by Kate Long, making sure that we knew that she meant to be in charge, despite the warnings given by Fairy Bowbells – lovely performance from Sandra Day.   However, at some points in Act 1 the action did seem to slow a little and the audience was also a little slow in their reactions which is always a shame as that doesn’t give the cast the extra lift they may well need.  However, Act 2 was a swashbuckling affair with a particularly enjoyable rendition of “If I were Not Upon the Sea.”  Such fun!

All the usual characters were there in force with Tori Blackwell and Jo Salter as Principal Boy and Girl making such a good pairing.  They say two’s company, three’s none but Stephanie Verrall made up the threesome in excellent fashion as Tom, the really cool cat.

“There is Nothing Like a Dame!” and John Tester as Dolly Dumpling was in good form with plenty of fascinating costume changes.  Good performances from the rest of the cast with Andrea Mallard as Idle Jack, Steve Llewelyn as Alderman Fitzwarren, Simon Fox as Captain Cuttlefish and Donna Bull as a delightful Scottish Scupper.  The Sultan of Morocco was awaiting the crew when they were shipwrecked and Panos Christofi was in great character.

There was lots of good work from the Ratlings, Cats, Slaves and Londoners and as always the movement on your comparatively small stage was carried out very well indeed.  A great sound from the orchestra led by Ben Knowles with tuneful singing from all.

Your productions always look good and the scenery, well constructed and designed, was excellent as were the costumes.  All those working behind the scenes whether in the preparation stage or during productions are to be congratulated as well as all those involved in the actual direction.  I know a lot of hard work goes into making the whole so thank you all for keeping the tradition of Panto alive.              

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.