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Dick Whittington

Author: Foster Johnson

Information

Date
2nd December 2022
Society
Jarrow Musical Theatre Company
Venue
Jarrow Focus
Type of Production
Pantomime
Director
Michelle Coulson
Musical Director
Freda Carney
Choreographer
Kirsty Ann Thompson

Well it’s pantomime season again and what a better way to kick it off than a visit to the award-winning Jarrow Musical Theatre Company for their production of the Noda Pantomime Dick Whittington.

The ever growing and burgeoning reputation that this group is developing shows no sign of being on the wane. This production had everything you could wish for, and more, for a wonderful family evening’s entertainment. The packed auditorium loved every minute of it.  It was energetic and colourful, with wonderful sets and costumes, fine lighting, simple but effective choreography, and boundless energy from principals to ensemble alike. Throw into the mix a fine supporting band and some excellent vocal renditions from all of the cast plus the usual range of slapstick humour and inter audience reaction and community singing then you go home with a smile on your face.

Yes the script, storyline and jokes can seem dated for some but the enjoyment and happy faces of the youngsters in the audience and their willingness to become involved in the action made it all worthwhile.

Sitting in the audience enjoying the show you tend to forget all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to bring it to fruition. There has to be someone with the drive and ability to make it happen. Many congratulations to Director Michelle Coulson who had the vision to do so. Of course, she was not alone in this respect and it would be wrong of me not to include Musical Director Freda Carney whose musical interpretation of the music cleverly intertwined with the plot and gave credence to the show’s narrative. A special mention to Kirsty Ann Thompson whose choreography was slick and also fed into the plotline.

So far as the cast line-up was concerned it was top notch, as usual. The ensemble was spot on both in terms of the singing, dancing and reaction to the libretto and provided a great back drop to the action.

The Principal line-up was strong, and none could be faulted in their roles. Indeed, it would be churlish for me to attempt to single anyone of them out above the rest.

Therefore in no particular order other than how they lined up in the   Programme my heartiest congratulations go to the doyen of the Company Lawrence Clark who once again demonstrated the art of the Dame as Sarah. (He keeps threatening to retire but I will only believe it when it happens)

Erin Boyle (Alice Fitzwarren) was such an effervescent presence as she lit up the stage at every entrance and continues to build a fine stage reputation. Luke McGarey (Dick Whittington) was again outstanding in a leading role and the world is his oyster.

Jilliane Reay Hindson (Queen Rat) is now building a fine reputation as a character actor, and she once again demonstrated the art with this performance.

David Bruce (Jack) has been involved in the theatrical world for many years. His enthusiasm holds no bounds for him, and he once again showed the tremendous array of talent he has in the role.

Grayson Woods (Alderman Fitzwarren) is also Chair of the Company. How he manages the responsibility of running the Company and holding a part takes some doing. But he does and his interpretation of this dour personality was good.

They say the show must go on come what may. Well in this case it did, and my heartiest congratulations go to Frances Wood as Garlic one of Queen Rat’s children who gave a super performance (including movement) whilst playing with a dislocated knee. She was well supported (excuse the pun) by Luke Carr (Onion).

Other supporting roles were taken by Helen Richardson (Fairy) Ken Richardson (Sheik Mahbuti) and David Bulman(Vizier) who were also key to the smooth-running plot.

Finally, a very special mention to Catherine Purvis for her role as Tommy the Cat. She was exceptional and played the part in character throughout without losing the reality of the role.

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