Dick Whittington

It was great to return to your company and see the hall full of an expectant audience of all ages waiting to be entertained. The script originally written by Betty Bolton had been adapted and updated to deliver the tale of Dick Whittington and his cat.

The hall was set out as expected with the curtained stage with entrances both stage left and right with steps to the hall set at stage left.

The lighting trusses were set either side of the seating with additional lights on the stage. These and the gobo’s added detail to the scenes, the storm scene was great. The sound was well controlled with the radio mics set at an appropriate level. I wondered why I couldn’t hear some of the younger cast’s words because they were wearing mics but your director explained about the cost of hiring the sets in. I wonder if it might be an idea to ensure the younger members who have words to say; which is a great skill to develop; could be positioned nearer the front of the stage and maybe practice some projection techniques during rehearsals from your more seasoned members. Both lighting and sound were provided by Dymond Audio who were to be found at the back of the seated area.

The painted back clothes and legs added detail to the scenes from a lovely London scene with inventive Aldiman and Little shop fronts. The interior of the shop looked good with various items and signs and the island backdrop took everyone to a deserted beach. The additional items like the signpost with names and miles, ships wheel, luggage, lifebelt and netting added detail and were well used by the cast as were their personal props.

Your three-piece orchestra under the direction of your Musical Director provided a wonderful overture and entr’acte and accompaniment for a wide variety of songs from various eras, from show tunes to pop songs to 1930’s favourites that the audience could be heard joining in with. Time had obviously been taken to ensure the singing was on point with solo’s, duet’s small group and cast numbers. The ‘If I Wasn’t Upon the Ship’ song was cleverly put together to include the singing dancers, with co-ordinated moves but I did wonder maybe if there were two too many cast members involved, just a personal thought.

Your director is renowned for her choreography and she certainly did not let you down this year. She has the knack of showing off the best in all those members on the stage from simple to complex routines all well-rehearsed. It was great to see the younger members hornpipe and tap dances all presented with smiling faces. Well done.

The costumes chosen for the pantomime this year were varied and ideal for the named characters. The chorus costumes of dresses, skirts/breeches and tops were well fitting and looked great. All the naval costumes looked authentic and well worn by all. I would also like to congratulate you on the time that had been taken on hair, make up and footwear all added to the illusion.

As was expected the first characters we met in Dick Whittington were Dick and his cat who were travelling to London to find the streets that were paved with gold. Dick was attired in a traditional outfit of black breeches, white shirt, green waistcoat, bycocket hat and black boots and carried the oblatory bundle over his shoulder. His sailor suit when onboard the ship looked just the part and the costume in white and silver and gold and red finale well fitted. He played the part with confidence every word was clearly delivered and song word sung with feeling.  He interacted well with all those he worked with during the show especially Dreckly and Alice. ‘Changed for Good’ was beautifully sung with Alice. Dreckly the cat was attired in what appeared to be one of your ‘Cats’ costumes of black catsuit with furry detail on the front, a white face and a great wig. This costume was added to with different tops during the show. Paying the part of an animal especially when you only speak once when asked a direct question is difficult. You have to show all your emotions through physical movement, gestures and miaows. You did a grand job of supporting Dick danced well, miaowing ‘Wherever We Go’ and defeating King Rat. Well done.

The next player we encountered was the baddy King Rat who was dressed in breeches, shirt, silver waistcoat, cloak and boots his mask and ears. He created a big character with a good clear voice who inhabited the stage and he was determined not to be beaten. He was ably assisted by his Rat Pack who all looked great in in a variety of black items from leggings, shortie dungarees, skirts and tops. The addition of individual items such as braces, a tie, caps and ears all made them look like individuals within a cohesive group and the touches of gold sequins for the finale were great. They were a fantastic quartet of actors and followed their King everywhere mimicking movements and ‘wah, wah, wahing’ With ‘Cat Like Tread’ was a brilliant routine with the aid of the additional props. I’m not sure if the dance was speeded up every night but the group looked exhausted at the end and King Rat appeared to very menacingly brandish his sword to the band. I bet they were glad of the interval. The musical highlight of the show was the Rat Pack’s wonderful rendition of ‘I Will Follow Him’, this is not an easy song when presented by a large group of nuns but your four players were exceptional with all the harmonies clearly heard, superb!

The Fairy Godmother was attired in a green sparkly dress worn well with the wings and tiara. The addition of the butterfly clips in her hair, jewelled bag; but where else can a fairy keep her magic?  and wand added to the overall effect. Your actor created a believable, energetic fairy with a great attitude and accent. Although she appeared unsure of her ability, she didn’t back down against her nemesis continually reminding him that ‘good always beats evil’. She also had a lovely singing voice ‘Maybe This Time’ was great.

We were then introduced to the Fitzwarren family and their employees. Alice looked lovely in her blue and black dress with hairband and in her finale outfit. She had a kind, determined manor and took an immediate liking to Dick. She showed some disappointment when Dick’s bundle was opened but obviously had more faith in him. Her lines were delivered clearly and her singing voice tuneful.  The interaction between them was believable and You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ with replies from Dick and Dreckly and ‘Changed for Good’ was a lovely duet with Dreckly listening on the steps. Her father was a different character decked out in black breeches, white shirt, black and gold waistcoat, blue overtop and tricorn. He depicted a man who was sure he was in charge and knew his own mind he was certain that Dick was guilty and banished him and didn’t want Alice associated with him. He did a grand job of ‘The Fleets in Port Again’. Karen the cook worked for the Alderman and was your dame. This character was not portrayed as a man in a frock more of a drag artist in big wigs and high heels. The Dames’ costumes were as expected totally over the top red and white costume with eggs on with a great food hat, Red and white striped breeches and sailor’s top on the ship, turquoise belly dancing top and harem pants and gold and red finale. She created an energetic persona onstage and certainly took a liking to the Tribal King. Her text was clearly delivered and the transformation when King Rat put a spell on her was well managed. Her singing voice was great and ‘9 to 5’ with its dance routine with Len was great. I thought she coped well with a shake of the head with all the Dick jokes. Lastly in this group was Lazy Len who was supposed to help in the shop. He looked the part in his dungarees, bum bag and helicopter hat. The naval outfit was great and the silver added flourish in the finale. This character couldn’t be bothered to get out of his way and did as little work as possible but was compelled to follow Karen’s instructions. He had a great speaking and singing voice and moved with confidence.

The ship’s Captain; attired in breeches, shirt, black and gold coat and tricorn; had arrived home again and was readying himself for his next voyage. Just a little personal point I think it would be worth you investing in some crepe hair and glue for making beards, it is not too expensive and last for ages. He was a loud brash character who thought a lot of himself. He spoke clearly and was so sure that his wife was delighted to have him home, her facial reactions and demeaner told another story. She was well attired and worked well with Alice and another chorus member.  The first mate looked the part stood proudly and spoke clearly.

The Tribal King looked correct in his in his muscle t-shirt, grass skirt, lay and staff. His text was well delivered and he was clear with his demands. He did his best to brush off the advances from Karen.

I would finally like to congratulate your chorus both adult and youth. They were called upon to take on various roles during the show which they all did with gusto. It was good to see them having a few words to deliver but what was lovely was that they all looked as if they were having the best time. They interacted and reacted with each other; I expect to see some of the youth in larger roles soon. Well done.

I would like to congratulate ever member of your team whether on or off stage who all work together to produce a great show for an enthusiastic audience. Many thanks for your kind invitation.

Disclaimer 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge. 

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre. 

 It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

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