Dick Whittington

Bolton Little Theatre this year take us on the journey of Dick Whittington by Peter Denyer who started out as an actor in the television comedy series “Please Sir” and moved on to writing pantomimes.

A traditional pantomime with all the ingredients for a fun night and audience participation, sadly though I was not near enough for the copious amounts of sweets thrown into the audience. But the Rainbows and Brownies were thoroughly delighted. We were even treated to a tennis match with sweets being batted into the audience much to the delight of out-stretched hands. To set us off the Rainbow and Brownie leader gave instructions to her group and the audience fell silent to listen to her wise words. To which she then addressed us saying you are free to take your coats off too. We all burst into laughter as the curtain rose. I always feel the audience is like a congregation coming together and more so at this moment when we all waited in anticipation as the pantomime was about to start.

David Smart directs and it is noted the sets and technical input that is used with Flats and 3D projection on the back cloth, Props and sausages that won’t lie down. Finishing at the end with pyrotechnics all added to the magic. Set construction Jeff Lunt and Helen Lindsey, Props - Kath Cheetham, Viv Blomfield, Karen Casterton and Dorothy Green.  Lighting and Sound helped the show move along - Lighting by Peter Gower and Sound by Ashley Foster, Chole Spencer, Georgia Smart and Kim Riley-Shipperbottom.

Wardrobe Hair and Make-up all added to the characters. Loved the baubles on the Dame’s wigs and The Dame’s sailing outfit was very striking in blue. The black hazmat suits simple but worked well for the rats and quick changes. Wardrobe by Janet Hardman and Helen Lindsey.

I must make a mention of Cheryl Walker who was the BSL signer. She was a delight and not distracting at all, putting so much effort to actually act out the words too. Excellent.

As I said, David Smart directs with two assistant directors who were Kim Riley-Shipperbottom and Georgie Smart. It was very much aimed at the interaction with the audience and coming through the audience was used as entrances and exits. With great choreography from Kiera Alice McGowan and at the end, the final song with the young chorus down the sides of the theatre getting the audience involved really worked. The Chorus were Betsy Bickerstaffe, Tegan Rangeley, Tilly Morris, Imogen Davis, Imilce Ashworth-Alsonso, Orla Sweeney, William Mahar, Skyla Redford, Philippa Irving and last but certainly not least was Noah Smart-Stanton who is clearly one to watch out for, his scenes with the mops on deck and when he was a Palace guard jumping on the Dame. What energy, what a character.

The title roll was played by Georgie Smart and Alice was played by Kasie Hilton (a feisty Alice) working well together. Alderman Fitzwarren was played by David Maloney who was wrapped around his daughters’ fingers. Captain was played by Paul Kellet and great scene on board ship getting them to settle for less wages. The Sultan was played by Sabrina Kerney who was only too happy to have people washed up on her island and help with the Rat problem. Laura Bromley played Fairy Bowbells who took us through the story in rhyme and helped defeat the baddie. The sidekicks who Gnaw-Bone played by Jordon Beard and Gnash-Fang played by James Casterton - they had great head masks on (looking scary) and thanks for the water soaking coming through the audience. I will bring my brolly next time (ha!).

Craig Pinnington gave us Idle Jack who had great interaction with the audience and one scene came on in a Unicorn onesie with reference to his accent and cheeky character. I think my earworm with be the Pizza Hut Song. Dame Sarah was played by Chris Watts, some funny moments. Loved the kitchen sink on the back gag. The bake-off theme music put us in the mood not sure I would eat the pie though. Chris worked well with Craig.  And finally, Simon Irving played the evil King Rat from the start the audience was with him or not! Booing him at his every dastardly move with snake wrapped around his staff he looked suitably scary as he hatched his plans. He looked to thoroughly relish the role. Well done. The whole cast worked well together and looked to be enjoying themselves. And I am sure the Rainbows and Brownies in the audience will have enjoyed making memories.

Well done to cast and crew and thank you for the invite from my guest Dawn and I.

Liz Hume-Dawson

D5

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