Dick Whittington

After supporting the traditional crock of gold pot, viewing the colourful A5 programme created by Naomi Berwick – particularly liking the black cat silhouette highlighting the cast list, I had an excellent view from the back of the hall – a great position to be frightened by one of the Ratlings, namely Sophia Iwinski as Spit, Lucy Jenkins as Squeak, Amelia Manktelow as Sniff and Summer Shepherd, Scratch, all four very nimble and great spitters, squeakers, sniffers and scratchers. Head Rat was the dastardly Queen menacingly performed in rhyming script by Jackie Manktelow wielding her illuminated toilet brush attached in a holder around her waist, and noticeable belt linked together with used toilet roll tubes, peddling her ‘Rat News.’  Also, to her credit,  the face painting make up not only to herself, her dancing Ratlings but also a delightful smiling famous ‘cool’ speaking cat  agile Tom played lovingly by Lizzy May.

Kate Gale designed the attractive set, built, and painted with the help of supporters. Two attractive side flats remained throughout – a super palm tree taking us to the land of the Sultana of Morocco, an imposing lady with a French accent, performed regally by Heather Woodward. Backdrops included a colourful street scene, a most effective silhouetted London sky depicting iconic buildings and a beautiful sea and sky which turned to the very dark storm on board Fitzwarren’s merchant ship. Kate welcomed with her’ housekeeping’ instructions returning backstage to SM jointly with husband Dave keeping the proceedings ‘in motion.’ Ray Hodges in his box  had Jamie Shepherd, the Director’s son joining him, who was obviously enjoying the experience of being part of the Sound and Lighting team. Good detail shown in preparation of props from Catherine Whitehead and Dot Smitherman.

Jill Haskell did a wonderful job once again in costuming the cast well, good uniforms Captain Cuttlefish at times sharing  his ‘naval’ attributes to us – perfect cap and liked the finishing touch of the large gold earring! Well cast for Richard Pierce to get his teeth into.  Toby Champneys was sidekick Scupper perfectly attired in stripes, high boots and scarlet headscarf – good beard too - touch of the Pirates of the Caribbean with Irish accent! Taking a short cut to the Docks carrying their cargo of rat poison to Fitzwarren’s ship they first encounter Queen Rat when sewage jokes galore flowed fast and furious.

Merchant Alderman Fitzwarren aka Nick Jeal must be congratulated on his amazing ‘S’ alliteration not only reciting it once but repeating it again at speed. Quite an accomplishment may I say. Our Dame of course is Fitzwarren’s cook with Ollie Pierce really enjoying himself in this role, who looked resplendent and together with Marlee Jeal as comedy act Idle Jack succeeded in making a kitchen disaster of a pastry recipe. All good fun. Idle Jack got us to chant  ‘pull your socks up Jack’ on appearance which we heartedly did when remembered and up went a very long pair of striped socks! The audience participation song ‘A sailor went to sea’ went very well with the Ratlings pressganging their performers and rewarding them with a lollipop or two.

Our young love at first sight couple with delightful Laura Gale as Alice Fitzwarren and Dick Whittington our hero firstly wrongly accused of theft and then saviour of the day Bobby Jeal paired well together. Of course, this would not have been possible without the help of twinkling Fairy Bowbells played by Sian Richardson who was in fine tune. Our story was linked with good music controlled by Ray Hodges on tape whilst Pippa created the co-ordinated movement and headed musical direction. To unnamed character cast members Clive Moores and Amelia Dahm plus team behind the scenes, including on the book Sheila Gault, a big thank you to for an enjoyable evening of panto.

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