Dick Whittington

Nigel Holmes’ version of Dick Whittington faithfully followed the classic story, but studded the mixture with old and excellent jokes.

There was the usual warm welcome from Front of House. The audience was BIG and very enthusiastic. The Programme was attractive and well designed…lots of lovely colour photos; and info about the Show & about MMT.

Projected backgrounds were attractive and interestingly sited. Lighting and gobos were very good.

Sound effects and incidental music were well chosen and played . Elizabeth Cooper had produced excellent song arrangements and led her band to fine performances.

Claire Leonard had choreographed a number of attractive dances; and the little Aquarius performers were enchanting.

Costumes were colourful and appropriat, with good hair & make-up. The whole cast looked excellentd ! Props were used well and added greatly to the comedy.

The script was huge fun and had plundered The Goon Show material to good effect.

Dick Whittington was the classic Principal Boy, as played by Heike Heath. She excels at these characters.

Elise Stannard gave her magic to the part of Alice Fitzwarren. Her acting was natural, with good comic timing; and she sang beautifully…including The Song That Goes (almost) Like This. Here she duetted with her father, Alderman Fitzwarren, played with great gusto by Paul Cox. His pretence of forgetting the odd line was hilariously executed.

Their cook, Sally, was played by Kevin King…full of sardonic humour and great comic timing.

Debbie Groves was a filthy Fairy Bow Bells. Cute and clear, she uttered more dick jokes than I’ve ever heard in a single session.

Tim O’Shea was thoroughly evil, as King Rat, bullying his tiny assistant and threatening the rest of the cast; and Katie Dent Mackenzie was a lithe and athletic Tommy the Cat.

Captain Bilge, played by Iain Cannell, was gloriously incomprehensible. When he did break into English, it too was laced with Goonisms. And Eddie Hinds maintained his dignity as the stately Sultan of Morocco.

But it was Rizi the Rat…superbly played by Robyn Hunt…who instantly stole the audience’s hearts. She displayed, & maintained, a variety of natural movements & mannerisms and sang beautifully.

Dancers and Ensemble provided good support throughout this thoroughly enjoyable show.

Thank you James for an excellent evening. You and your team are to be congratulated.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.