Dick Whittington

Downfield Community Panto Group brought to the stage an enjoyable traditional pantomime with this version of the well-loved story of Dick Whittington. Introducing our story and setting the scene, we meet the amiable and helpful Fairy Bowbells and the sinister Queen Rat, played by Alyson Duff and Kirsty Small respectively. They both took to the stage with clarity and confidence and did a great job bouncing off the audience reactions, encouraging cheering and booing throughout the evening. Trying to combat the Queen Rat’s dastardly plan (and eventually succeeding) were principals Jamie Tosh as the charismatic Dick Whittington who falls in love with Alice, played by Rachel Millar whose warmth and strong vocals carried a number of the musical numbers throughout the evening. Bringing a host of nonsensical antics to the story were Fiona Gill as the colourful and kooky panto Dame, Dolly Dumpling, and Graeme Hooper as a very Idle Jack. The audience loved to shout to get him to pull his socks up! Their kitchen slapstick routine as well as a number of one-liners - most of which landed - had the audience laughing throughout. Paul Ross's portrayal of Alderman Fitzwarren added a touch of prosaic charm, while the cool, laidback (and flexible!) Tom the Cat was played purr-fectly by Anne Lindsay - her rapport with Jamie Tosh was delightful. Meanwhile Claire Streets was a graceful Sultana of Morocco, and her rendition of ‘Jai Ho!’ was a vocal strong point in the show. Keith Spottiswoode and Pam McGrath completed the principal cast as the comedic double act Captain Cuttlefish and Scupper, bringing an added sprinkling of comedy to the tale. As befitting a panto, costumes were colourful, scenery was well designed and scenes atmospherically lit. The audience shouting and singing as loud as they could in response to events on stage was a clear indication of the show’s success. Good chorus singing with energetic movement underpinned and enhanced the whole show. Well done all.

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