Dick Whittington

What a riot of energy, enthusiasm and fun is the Easter Pantomime by Handsworth and Hallam Theatre Company - if the opening night is anything to go by the audience simply won’t want to leave the auditorium on Saturday as it is really a joyous celebration of pantomime.  The script,  by Tom Whalley, is hilarious and the cast knew just how to play (or overplay/underplay) every line.  It was non-stop action and activity to keep even the youngest audience member totally engaged.

The talented cast were perfect in their roles.  Fairy Bow Bells was a delight – her part was way more than the usual ‘walk on from the right’ good spirit and Katie Granger played this to great effect including contributions to production numbers and solos.  The dark side of the set saw Andrew Stansall as King Rat – he was very easy to hate and was quite dastardly again with a strong solo supported by the fabulous ‘Tapping Rats’.  Amy Roe-Parkin (The Cat) was well deserving of the compliments from the young audience members invited on stage who named her as their favourite.  She was lively and full of character throughout - definitely not a ‘shy moggy’ and it was clear to see that Dick was in very safe paws.  Stuart Ogden as Alderman Fitzwarren brought an air of decorum to the proceedings, but did so with great fun and very clear delivery - he controlled the Drill routine very well indeed.

Sara Hibberd as Alice Fitzwarren captured just the right balance of coy principal girl and lively, determined young woman to be a great example to the many little girls in the audience.  Fabulous singing, dancing and engagement with her ‘true love’ Dick Whittington.  Played by Richard Granger, Dick was never downbeat and was full of positive energy.  Again, great delivery and engagement with the audience.   Idle Jack (Joseph Walker) was hugely entertaining, very funny and with a brilliant physicality that added to his role.  David Jefferson took two cameo roles ‘Prawn Mendes’ and ‘The Sultan of Morocco’ – both with great aplomb and the ‘Beyond the Sea’ routine was one of the highlights of the Production Numbers for me.

Had I been invited on stage at the end and interviewed about my favourite character I wouldn’t have hesitated.  Matthew Walker as Sarah the Cook was a masterclass in how the Dame should be played.  I very much prefer the ‘bloke in a frock’ approach and Walker took it to another level. Stunning costumes, amazing stage presence and a wonderful ability to engage with the audience.  This show was either rehearsed within an inch of its life or Walker has a brilliant library of ad libs which he can bring in without pausing for breath – Knowing the challenges Societies have faced in recent months I am sure it is the later.  All credit to Walker for not just giving an amazing performance, but for also directing the production.  I am really in awe.

The set, costumes and props were great.  The boat used in the ship-wreck scene was very well managed.  The choreography was sharp and Hayley Wilbourne and Beth Cooke had directed routines to involve both the adult and children’s ensemble – who were giving it their all throughout the production.  Lively production numbers and enjoyable solo’s along with a live band show cased the work of MD Steve Trotter and ensured that the musical numbers were to a high standard.  Jane Jefferson-Blythe had supported Matthew Walker as Assistant Director and the whole team succeeded in pulling off a great production.

Light, sound and special effects were well used, but for me the standout element of this production was the pace – which was incredible, not least because it was the first night.  A thoroughly enjoyable evening’s entertainment – Congratulations to everyone involved on stage, backstage, front of house and at every point in the production.

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