Dick Whittington

Opening Remarks

I was delighted to be invited back to visit Corby Amateur Theatrical Society (‘CATS’) at the Corby Cube to watch its latest production – ‘Dick Whittington: the Traditional Family Pantomime’.

I always look forward to CATS’s annual panto, knowing I am going to be in for a real treat! The society’s much loved family panto has been a steadfast fixture for the people of Corby entertaining audiences for over four decades. This year’s production was no exception – providing a much-needed evening of panto fun in the dark month of January.   

Long may this outstanding society’s annual panto remain!! 

In all the production was brilliant and clearly enjoyed by all concerned. My guest and I certainly had a wonderful time, as did – from the atmosphere – the audience, I think.

The Show

The pantomime, ‘Dick Whittington’ plots the adventures of the future Mayor of London, Richard Whittington, and his cat (Tom). As the story unfolds the principal boy – Dick – encounters all the traditional pantomime characters: goodies (Fairy Bowbells and co.), baddies (King Rat and his crew), the Dame (Dolly Dumpling), and comedy duo (Captain Cuttlefish and Scupper). Of course, there is also a love interest for Dick to pursue – Alice Fitzwarren.

The script was as good as they come, delivering all you would expect from a panto. I congratulate all concerned at CATS for bringing the script to life in a way that is faithful to the tradition of pantomime but with a modern twist. Very well done indeed!

Creatives

Direction by Luke Campbell Simcoe was of a very good standard. Luke created real depth on stage, encouraged great interactions between the cast, and drilled the principals well in the traditional pantomime roles. Transitions were also managed brilliantly, taking on feedback I have given in pervious show reports. A brilliant job well done!

Two favourite scenes, for very different reasons: first, Act 1 Scene 8 – amazing, made me cry; second, Act 2 Scene 3 – made me laugh so deeply!

A challenge for Luke, try to build the company into some of the principal scenes in the background.

(PS: I very much missed Luke’s performance on stage and hope to see him back in a part soon; although, I appreciate that you cannot always be everywhere!)

Musical direction by Barbra Hockey was of a very high standard. The cast was well extremely well practiced in vocals, with company numbers producing an outstandingly rich sound. Without a doubt, the musical and vocal accomplishment of the night was “A Million Dreams” in Act 1 Scene 8. Amazing! The band, as is always the case at CATS, was outstanding – well done Mike Kilsby and Peter Morgan.

Marcia Mitchell and Sheena Forster did a brilliant job with choreography. Keep up the good work, because it adds a great deal to the family show and is so important to training future talent in the junior members. Also, a massive well done to all the dance core: all numbers were excellently executed.

Cast

The cast of principals was a very strong one, with all members working hard to develop clear characterisation that conformed to the requirements of their role in the family panto. There are, however, some performances that are worthy of note.

First, Phil Mills as King Rat was excellent. He delivered the traditional panto baddie with all the nastiness required. His interactions with the audience, including me in the stalls box, and his young rats (Spit, Sqweak, Sniff, and Scratch) was outstanding. I also particularly enjoyed Phil’s number, ‘Be Prepared’.

Second, I enjoyed very much the dry humour with which Martin Brown delivered his role as Idle Jack. Martin’s quick wit and droll approach was very funny and landed with the adult audience brilliantly. But his physical comedy and slap-stick jokes also entertained the children. Excellent work.

Third, the work of Jack Jenkins (Tom), Lauren Elizabeth Milne (Dick), Lindsey James (Alice), and Emily Carroll (Fairy Bowbells) was greatly appreciated. Playing such roles is not always easy in pantos – personally I always take to a baddie or comedy role – but you all did brilliantly. Particularly, well done to Jack on bringing his dance talent to the role of Tom. I also very much enjoyed the interactions between Belinda Steward and Heidi Coleman as the comedy duo.

Finally, I want to note the great promise of Sam Leach. Sam’s delivery of the show’s Dame (Dolly Dumpling) showed real potential and I look forward to seeing him grow in such roles.

Congratulations to the company on the contribution that each member made to the production. Characterisation was strong and interaction with the cast enthusiastic. This is the case for both the adult and junior members. 

Production

The scenery was of a very good standard and added great colour to the production. The staging and props were suitable for the panto. Costumes were well sourced and in keeping with the show.

Sound was very good throughout the production. The lighting design was of a good standard and what one would expect from a panto. The pyrotechnics were brilliant and added that extra panto fun.

Well done to the backstage crew, who managed scene transitions with ease and professionalism.  

I also extend my thanks to the chaperones without whom the panto stage would be missing the important presence of children.

The programme, and marketing materials associated with the show, were of a professional standard.

Closing Remarks

My warmest of congratulations for a brilliant production of ‘Dick Whittington’.

I thank CATS for the hospitality shown to me and my guest upon my visit. I am particularly grateful to Janet for briefing me on the state of play at CATS and wish all concerned all the very best for the upcoming season of events. You have my fully support.

I look forward to seeing the Society’s next production.  

Luke Campbell

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