Dick Whittington

What a seasonal treat this was.  The set design was superb, especially the town square scene which was packed with detail, made clever use of perspective in the overhanging, half-timbered buildings, and placed the action under a childishly pleasing brilliant blue sky.  That’s not to say that the various interiors and seascapes weren’t rendered just as impressively: the quality of the set painting was outstanding.  The colourful and adaptable “road to London” front cloth could be concertinaed up into the roof which helped to keep the action moving with rapid transitions between scenes.

Even by the standards of the Sinodun Players, this pantomime featured a very talented group of principals; without exception they kept their heads up, exuded confidence on stage, had a sure touch with the verbal and physical comedy and maintained a cracking pace throughout.  They had plenty of material to work with; as well as the slapstick routines such as the galley and the mopping of the deck, the piece was chock full of puns and jokes which were suitable for all ages and which kept the laughs, and occasional groans, flowing.  Thinking back, I can only recall a single slightly dodgy double entendre.

The principals were given solid support by the small chorus who provided some backbone for the unison company singing, and moved well in the inclusive routines.  There were also opportunities for the more accomplished dancers to shine, such as in the tap-dancing number and the hornpipe.  The band really added to the sense of occasion, bringing that live performance energy to the solos and ensembles.  The show incorporated an eclectic collection of songs, augmented by some recorded numbers to bring the party vibe to some of the more celebratory scenes, such as the Deck Party; and how refreshing it was to see the members of a company properly enjoying themselves!

It wasn’t just the set design that looked good: an astonishing amount of work had gone into the costumes which had a strong, unifying medieval theme, adapted to suit each individual character.  The rich robes and fine dresses of the Fitzwarrens contrasted with the crazy fabrics and appropriately anarchic styling of the Dame and Idle Jack; the boots and tunic of Dick Whittington were complemented by the rich, monogrammed blacks and gilts of King Rat.  Nor was the customary walk-down neglected, with gold-themed garments and accessories bringing an extra layer of glamour to an impressively costumed show.

The highlight, however, was surely the shipwreck scene.  All the characters found themselves at least garlanded in seaweed, but several leading principals suffered near-drowning experiences in keeping with their characters.  Alderman Fitzwarren had his pomposity punctured by washing up in a barrel which threatened to reveal more than it concealed; Dame Dolly Dumpling appeared to have been almost eaten by a small whale; and Idle Jack, perhaps inevitably, ended up with an octopus on his head.  The storm was imaginatively staged, all cloth seas and fluttering sails, with Idle Jack drifting across the stage in his inflatable ring in the shape of a flamingo.

There was lots of call and response – Oh yes there was! – and the audience was actively encouraged to yell out characters’ catchphrases and to point out whenever someone villainous was upstage of someone virtuous.  How could anyone on the audience not get caught up in all this, especially when civic pride was being bolstered through rude remarks about Didcot?  With the glitter cannons poised the cast stepped forward in the manner of an old-fashioned curtain call: “Thank you all for coming, and we’ll see you all next year”.  Just try keeping us away.

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.