Dick Whittington

I am always delighted to see groups extend the theatrical experience beyond the proscenium arch and this was the case here, with programme sellers in costume, and a delightful safety announcement made in rhyme, accompanied by appropriate and humorous images on screen.

With no front tabs, we were able to take in the set design at our leisure before the start of the show. The back wall was used from time to time as a screen for projected images, and these were clear and well timed. The lower wall, between upper and lower levels, showed a London skyline scene, but this was rather modern for the period, showing as it did, the London Eye, Shard and Gherkin.  There were flats either side of the stage depicting Fitzwarren's shop (these changed later in the production), and raised platforms each side which were used by the Fairy and Queen Rat.

Queen Rat opened the show in suitably menacing style, ably matched by Fairy Bow Bells (who could have been given a cockney accent, as implied by her character's name). The opening number 'Walking on Sunshine' was imaginatively staged, depicting Dick Whittington leaving his parents and home, and introducing us to Alice, even before these characters appear in the script or story. The large ensemble continued this colourful number with great energy and enthusiasm.  Principal characters were introduced, many with their own songs, and these were performed skilfully. 

The Ratlings, dressed in blazers, with partial masks and long tails, were used to great effect to cover scene changes, and this helped to keep a good pace going in Act 1. The number 'Rat Out of Hell' was an imaginative choice and well-performed by Queen Rat and these well-disciplined young performers.

The dream sequence had a more upbeat song than it is often played, and this worked very well, with the stage opening up to reveal Bow bells, and some lovely blue sparkly costumes.

Second Act highlights included a lively dock-side scene and the Harem number 'Kiss Kiss' complete with a quite magnificent slide down the stairs by the Sultan!  The slapstick cooking scene was performed with excellent timing, great confidence and obvious enjoyment. The mop scene was obviously well-rehearsed and was well-timed.

Choreography was quite complex at times but performed with great energy and projection by this young cast.

Scene changes were quiet and efficient. Props were well handled and suitable for the genre. Costumes were well fitting and colourful, and I must make mention of the Dame's lovely outfits, which were outstanding. Wigs were excellent, as was the make-up and masks; in particular Queen Rat and Tom the Cat.

Lighting was used imaginatively, and pyrotechnics were well placed and well timed.  The storm effects and back projection (together with some very good ensemble acting at this point) created a very real ship-wreck scene. The underwater UV sequence was modern, with some beautiful costumes/puppets.

There were some nice directorial touches; the use of the song 'I put a spell on you' really helped to establish Queen Rat's hypnotic powers; the use of the 'pipe' for Queen Rat to come down from her lair was imaginative, as was Idle Jack holding up his adoption request signs during his mother's song! The pantomime genre was adhered to with larger-than-life yet sympathetically played characters, and the proper conventions were observed.

Thank you for the invitation to a very enjoyable pantomime.
 

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