Dick Whittington

With a cast of 61 and a 5 piece band you knew you were in for a treat and we were not disappointed. This Panto had been written and directed by Lily Griffiths and Paul Moss and was based on the traditional storyline but with lots of new ideas including a cat with attitude. Natalie Barker played a very sassy Lord Furgus aka Fluffy, looking fabulous in her cat costume. Paul Leech was definitely on fine form as Dame Polly Filler. In my humble opinion, arguably the best dame on the amateur stage in the District. His sharp, quick thinking comedy asides are the perfect blend of risqué comments whilst still so funny to a family audience and younger cast members. Maddi Mitchell played the title role of Dick Whittington with Ysabel Bloomfield as Alice. They were both delightful in their characterisations, with a warmth and affinity.

Lily Griffiths, was kept busy and in this her 20th year with the Company also played her first comedy role which she obviously thoroughly enjoyed. Darren Scriven played the comedy role of Idle Jack who also had a great singing voice. Chloe Atkinson on the other hand enjoys the wicked roles, having been Cruella in last year’s Panto, here she played King Rat. She is brilliant and thrived in her role as she goads her ‘rat pack’ into committing her evil deeds. These 4 young Rats, (the youngest who is just 12) resembled the group Madness in appearance, to good effect. They were Connor Farrell, Benji Hughes, Troy Morden and Kit Widdup. They are no strangers to the stage with their individual personalities shining through confidently.  Mention must also go to Becca Kirby in her cameo role as Queen Cat. Becca is more often found in principal roles in opera and musical theatre but her fabulous voice was put to good use with several outstanding solos.

The ensemble consisted of a chorus along with three groups of dancers, hence the large numbers of choreographers catering for their individual ages and capabilities. It must have been quite a juggling act in the big chorus numbers with different groups coming on to perform their routines and as they danced off another group danced on. In this totally structured way, the stage never looked overcrowded and at some points there were also groups dancing in the aisles. These performers all looked so happy and enthusiastic in doing something which they so obviously loved and to a very high standard. My congratulations go to each and every one of them and supporting cast.

Wade Ablitt, a well know local MD and musician had been working with the company during rehearsals and for the performances with his five piece band.  The band were excellent, you were always aware of their strong incidental music which accentuated the performers so beautifully with the sound levels maintained meticulously so that they never drowned out the dialogue or the singing. The ‘James Bond’ theme music was particularly good and well worthy of mention.  The show was packed with lots of song and dance numbers and the ‘live’ music certainly enhanced the show.

With such a large cast the job of costuming all, many with multiple matching costumes changes, was a massive undertaking. Most of the costumes were from the Company’s own wardrobe and all looked wonderfully colourful and appropriate. The production was well lit and with minimal set and props allowing as much stage space as possible for the musical numbers.

A big well done to Lily, Paul and all of their cast and production team on a thoroughly enjoyable show for us and their very enthusiastic audience. Thank you as always for your hospitality from Vernon and the FOH team.

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