DICK WHITTINGTON

Yes it is panto time again. This very small cast of 13 covered all that was needed and more. Of course a panto isn’t just about the characters on stage and all the support staff did an excellent job of giving what was required to put on a good show.

The ‘band’, Justyn Jones, Dave Coppack and Martin Howard gave an upbeat opening to the . show and the audience immediately clapped along. I mention the audience here as they were so supportive throughout, and the very young children were an entertainment on their own. They turned round to encourage everyone. They showed us when to say “He’s behind you “, thumbs down for King Rat (Bill Wood), getting involved in the snowball fight. They joined in with the “Sweet Pantomime” song. I must congratulate them. I wonder if some of their siblings were on stage. During the “All Alone” verse sung by Horatio Fitzwarren, alias Alderman Fitzwarren (Paul Gorman) he had to explain to them when they should shout, which caused hilarity in the audience. Paul was seemingly very relaxed throughout and had a different voice for each character.

King Rat had a lovely speaking voice. Fairy Bowbells (Rachel Thistleton) was a match for him.

Full marks to Tommy the Cat (Jess Thistleton). Body language was her method of communication plus miaows for the panto song. She was quite a rogue, upstaging some of the performances but completely loyal to Dick Whittington (Sian Griffiths). Sian is obviously very talented and her duet with Alice (Olivia Jones) was lovely, although of course the cat always interrupted. Very good timing by everyone. In fact the harmony singing from all the cast was super.

Sarah the Cook (Steve Davies) engaged with everyone immediately. Sarah had a lovely voice and was quite a mover. Idle Jack (Sam Lawson) worked very hard as the fall guy of the group. I would have had no problem lip reading and his diction was good.

There was an excellent sketch in Fitzwarren stores where they were disappearing behind the counter as if on stairs, escalator or lift. Very funny and clever. The Empress of Morocco (Susan Thompson) was in a very colourful outfit but was welcoming to the shipwrecked members.

A very small chorus, 4, had lots to do and helped the plot along.

It now remains for me to mention the costumes. I loved the blue and white sailing outfits. The Dame’s costumes were very imaginative and unique. Congratulations to Karen and, no doubt, her team.

We had a great afternoon at your panto and no doubt others will join you now they know what they h.ave missed.

Well done  EVERYONE and thank you for the invitation.

Jackie Titley (and Ian)

 

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