Dick Whittington

Is it great to be back in pantomime world?…. Oh yes it is! 

My very first invite since lockdown eased and it was such a treat, as well as super-exciting to see everyone back on stage. It was so lovely to catch up with everyone front of house before the show began and witness the obvious camaraderie and joy being back producing the entertainment that has been missed by so many.

The thrill of donning a costume and playing to a live audience seemed to create an air of added enthusiasm from everyone involved on stage too.

The well experienced production team worked their seasonal magic on the outstanding cast, including a junior group of ‘Wednesday’ children, who shone in their four special numbers, including ‘Quarter Master’s Store’ and ‘My Favourite Things’. Very well Done!

From a long list of well known musical numbers the story of Dick Whittington was a smash hit with the Galasheils audiences, including Brownies, Scouts and Boys Brigade, who were more than willing to engage with the cast.  

The prologue introduction to Queen Rat, (Julie Noble), with her ‘Maggie Smith-like’ accent and perfect diction, made for a perfect characterisation of the role, including a spellbinding rendition of ‘I Put a Spell on You’. 

Her ‘Ratlings', Spit (Ally Turnbull), Scratch (Ainslie Forsyth), Squeak (Max Turnbull) and Sniff (Ellie Bryson-Welsh) were superbly cast in their supporting roles, helping deliver one of the show’s highlights, the Blondie classic, ‘One Way or Another’. 

Fairy Bowbells (Amy Thomson), in true panto light and kindness, proved that goodness and optimism always wins through, as in ‘Any Dream Will Do’.

Happy-go-lucky, Alice (Amanda Blacklock) and Up-beat, Idle Jack (Billy Rooney), both made their opening mark with the audience. In stalwart fashion they excellently epitomise everything that represents a traditional Pantomime. She, with her bright, optimistic character and solo singing talent and he, with his lively, silly “pull up your socks Jack!” enthusiasm, engaged with the audience from opening to finale. 

Was there ever a more appropriate entrance for Dame Dolly Dumpling (Jodie Millar), than the fabulous chorus, ‘Hello Dolly’? In true ‘Dolly’ fashion and with a mega quick change she then had us all tapping and bobbing to ‘It’s Raining Men’. Always a crowd pleaser! Dolly kept the comedy flowing throughout as well as the iconic costume changes.

Captain Cuttlefish (Julie Smith) and Scupper (Rory Gibson), in true ‘Pugwash’ fashion played the daft duo. The Act 2 opening, ‘In the Navy’, gave Scupper the opportunity to show his skill with the  1979 dance moves. A very able comic duo! 

It was lovely to see the dancers interpretation of the old sea shanty…I’m guessing, a Hornpipe?

The ‘mop instructions' were hilarious too.

Playing the title role of Dick (Stuart Mitchell), saw this talented young man at total ease. As an accomplished actor, dancer and singer, it made him the perfect candidate for the role. 

His pairing with Alice produced two exceptional duets, although his ultimate highlight was his solo  ‘The Climb’, sung to Tom.

Feline characteristics, most folk would think are easy to emulate, but I was very impressed with Tom (Amy Welsh), who was exceptional. She maintained her character throughout. Another show stopper from her was ‘Everybody Wants to be a Cat’ from Aristocats.

Supporting cast member, Craig Douglas, ably played Alderman Fitzwarren, the father figure in Alice’s life and the Sultan (Steve Hartley-Oliver) was perfectly cast to lead the company in Ja Ja Ding Dong.

The finale sing though of Footloose, Lambeth Walk and Christmas Songs had us totally ready to embrace Christmas 2021 with inspiration and hope for better times to come.

Thank You to everyone for a truly lovely evening!

 

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