Dick Whittington

It is wonderful that families can still access live theatre at a reasonable cost. Local amateur pantomime is often a child’s first introduction and children in the audience really enjoyed tonight’s version of Dick Whittington. Sutton’s Green Hut Theatre Company presented us with a home-grown pantomime. Not only was it full of very local performers but it was written by three members, two of whom were performing in the show.

This was a traditional panto with boos for the baddy, entering stage left, and cheers for the fairy from the right. We had ‘Oh yes we will’ ‘Oh no we won’t’ but I did miss ‘He’s behind you!’ which didn’t appear in this panto.

The script followed the fairy tale version of the story, so Dick arrives penniless in London Town looking for the streets that are paved with gold. Roxy Williams is always pleasant and smiling on stage with a lovely singing voice. She was joined this year by Emma Howard, as Alice, who also sings well. They made an appealing couple.

The goody and baddy played their parts well. David Knights convinced as an evil baddy and Katrina Knights spoke beautifully clearly as she narrated the story. Additional love interest came via Artie Firth and Alison Waters who brought humour and some laughs to the situation.

The role of the dame was taken by Phil Smith. Phil revels in these kinds of roles and he enjoyed his time leading the community song when he could really interact with the audience. The younger actors were confident and committed in their parts as rats, but Sienna Thomas stood out as the cat, especially when she could magically speak. She really made an impact. Well done, Sienna.

Bravo on a range of excellent costumes and attention to detail in the shipwreck scene. Well done Doreen Smith and Anna Stead. The cast threw themselves into the dances, choreographed by Alison Waters. Jason Jennings and Chloe Root handled the tech. The production was directed jointly by Bryan Blackie and Doreen Smith.

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