Dick Whittington

Stagedoor Productions pantomime this year is Dick Whittington, written and directed by Chris Anderton, who always promises to have something up his sleeve. This year a giant - and I mean giant - rat called Ratatouille with ultraviolet features was moving around the stage (I have no idea how they fitted it in the wings - maybe that’s the magic?) The boat upstage also rocked during the storm. Set Design was Chris Anderton as was Special Effects; Set Painters and Builders helping Chris were Andrew Palmer and Dave Clift. Lighting and Sound adding to the atmosphere were Stephen Porter, Andrew Sutton and Walmsley Church AODS.  There were a couple of 1st performance hitches but I am sure these will be ironed out as the week progresses and the cast dealt with them in their stride.

Choreographer was Teresa Harper with Samantha Young as Assistant and there were some lovely numbers with quite a large ensemble of dancers and great to see so many boys too. Love the Barnacle Bill routine at the beginning of Act Two. Costumes were really lovely and vibrant, the opening of Act One and Two looked so colourful as did the colour themed finale. The Dame had no less than 15 costume changes including wigs or head dress which deserves a round of applause - amazing!. Costumes by Wallace Wareham helped by Debs Lyons, Sharon Harper and Denis Boulderstone. Dames Dresses were David Halliday.

Chris Anderton packed the show with lots of interactive gags, The Twelve Days of Christmas done with only four cast members. The shopping trolley story gag, the chase around the audience (which included an audience member getting in on the act) The shell game but played with buckets and a human, namely Jack. Not forgetting the water pistol that got bigger and bigger until a hose was brought out (thank goodness that was stopped!).

Dave Haycock was Alderman Fitzwarren, Elaine Sessions The Sultan. Ben Stainer took over the part of King Rat at short notice and Mairead Coburn, one of the youngest members of the cast, was Tommy the Cat. Lovely performance. Helen Carter as Alice Fitzwarren and Charlotte Parmar as Dick Whittington were Principal Boy and Girl respectively, who worked well together and looked the part.

Teresa Harper was the ethereal Fairy Bowbells championing Dick Whittington all the way and to add to that a lovely manner and singing voice.

Philip Morris was Sarah Suet his first entrance through the audience interacting with the audience. You never know when he is on script or ad libbing just as a Dame should be. As I said some 15 costumes changes including head wear and some at speed. Moving the show along - never a dull moment (just don’t catch his eye!)

Graham Cohen as Idle Jack never fails to deliver, he must be shattered. His easy air with the audience and Philip already wins you over. His Boltonian accent stronger than ever comes into play. His confidence and ease make this the perfect part for him.

The Committee, Cast and Crew must be delighted with this year’s panto. Thank you from my guest Ursula and I for your invite and hospitality.

 

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