Dick Whittington

It is always a pleasure to visit Woodlands Hall in January to see the annual pantomime from Woodlands Theatrical Society.  This year they present a new version of that perennial favourite, Dick Whittington, written by the Society’s pantomime dame and show director, Malcolm Alderson.  This version is something of a show in two parts, the first half following the usual plot of Dick Whittington (Chantell Dupree) and his trusty and trustworthy cat Griz (an amusing Lucas Balmer) making their way to London for Dick to become Lord Mayor.  The second half takes a definite step into pantoland as the characters, en masse, take a boat trip to a desert island by way of a dream Dick slumbers into.

All the usual pantomime characters (or versions of them) are here.  Firstly, Pamela Alderson as a Fairy (godmother) acting as our guide, who helps keep Dick out of too much trouble. Pamela is always a sparkling and appealing “good fairy”. Then there is evil (Baron) Fitzwarren, Gareth Graham, and his pretty daughter Alice (Jenny McLean).  Gareth always plays the villain with aplomb plus, occasionally, a little confusion.  Dick and Alice are, of course, smitten and her father does much to, unsuccessfully, thwart their budding relationship.  It wouldn’t be a Pantomime without Punch in the form of the aforementioned Malcolm Alderson as Franny the Dame and his son, Freddy (Em Alderson).  They make an amusing, suitably over the top double act, There are three young people called, confusingly, Frank (Amy Bridgwood), Dean (Daniel Dixon) and Sammy (Scarlett Gibson) who decorate the action from time to time.  Plus King Rat (Ruano Sutton), a lady Sheik (Natalie Tidy) and a small Chorus of seven.

There is a larger than usual chorus of dancers from the Nicola Gauld School of Dance, comprising Seniors (10), Juniors 1(8) and Juniors 2 (18).  A lot of dancers but they added their usual charm and talent to the proceedings

There were some big, colourful sets decorating the stage, all produced in-house.  John Hopkinson and his piano did sterling service, keeping proceedings moving briskly along with his orchestra of one drummer (Liam Westerby).  The costumes were bright and colourful, as were all those taking part onstage.  As I say every year: Well done, everybody.  Your audience definitely left the Hall with a smile on their collective faces.
 

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