Dick Whittington

Thank you, Jane, for inviting me to report for Noda SW on Wellington Pantomime Group’s latest pantomime 'Dick Whittington'. 

Although familiar with Dick Whittington, I was really pleased to see a version by a new author (to me) and it was very entertaining. Ben Crocker’s script encompassed all the pantomime elements that audiences have come expect, a good storyline, good humour, funny slapstick etc. Jane Burt’s talented cast added energy and enthusiasm and executed the tale very well. The added songs and danceroutines completed a very good pantomime. The music was provided by a small but admirable sounding band and the chosen songs, mostly contemporary, fitted very well into the story.

The tale starts with a low-key exchange between Queen Rat and Fairy Bowbells… this sets the story and the show comes to life with the entrance of Jack and the meeting with the adorable and excellent Tommy Cat…. a sheer delight to watch!  Colour, fun and a clever entrance of Sarah the Cook followed and scene followed scene with entertainment. The exceptional UV scene … I’d like to call it the underwater ballet, was gorgeous, cleverly achieved and very watchable… very well done. After a roller coater of scenes, the rats were killed, Dick married Alice, all was well and everyone lived happily ever after.

The lighting was interesting but I found the ‘yellow gobo’ distracting and unnecessary in some scenes. The scenery was acceptable, better in some scenes than others and the costumes were very good particularly on-board ship… the full company scenes of song and dance. were great and a nice finale.

I understand many of the cast were new to the stage, their enthusiasm and energy with considerable talent bodes well for the future of WPG. Thank you for a great evening, sorry I didn’t shout out very loud, but I wasn’t expecting my name to be read from the stage, but thank you. The capacity audience (I think) were very well entertained and I could hear praiseworthy comments all round as I was leaving. Well done to you all. Thank you for your hospitality.

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