Dick Whittington

Lesley Hill as director gave us an enjoyable, inclusive, community production. This was an opportunity for
all ages and abilities to perform together. The direction was very traditional with some modern twists and
local references.

The choreography was relatively simple, appropriate to the music but could have been more daring in
places.

The song choices were good, adding to either the story or characterisation but as no-one was amplified we
couldn’t always hear the words and the voices weren’t always blended well.

Milli Finch was a dashing and confident Dick, playing opposite Maria Abbot as the gentle and kind Alice.
Sam Fish entertained us as the fun and frisky Dame Sarah and Rosemary Townsend engaged with the
audience as Simon, her Simple son. Fairy Bowbells, Katie Dunmow, was a calm voice against the
glamorous yet wicked Queen Rat, played by Heidi Hamber. Young Betsy Bethell as Tommy the Cat, was
engaged at all times and full of energy when subduing the rats.

Everyone on stage had their moment to shine which was great and we all enjoyed the random Gorilla on
the shores of Morocco. There were moments when the ensemble was not completely sure of the words or
moves and there was some mumbling through verses.

A small army had repurposed existing flats and curtains to create the traditional set and the curtains were
used well to give us new scenes. Furniture and props were kept to a minimum.
Once again, the costumes were simple and effective. I particularly liked Sarah’s enormous dresses and red
bow lipstick. Queen Rat’s black and silver costume was sleek and effective, her jewellery, tiara and ears
added detail and her cane was perfect. The rat hand puppets were fun and the parrot costume was superb!

The lighting worked well to help create the scenes and the effects for Queen Rat and Fairy Bowbells alerted
the audience to cheers or boos. The sound effects helped too, especially the voices for the bells of London.
A few small tweaks would have made a big difference. Alice’s wedding dress and shoes were fabulous and
she looked great but the look was spoiled by black tights. Dick’s will-it-stay-on-moustache was distracting
and Bowbells’ large wand sometimes blocked her face from where I was sitting. When there are no
microphones being used, the cast must ensure their lines are directed to the audience rather than upstage.

My guest and I were welcomed warmly. We sang, laughed at a very competitive rendition of The 12 Days of
Christmas, cheered and booed and were on the winning side for the sing-along. Thank you Kelvedon
Players, we had a very enjoyable visit.

Helen Wilson on behalf of Victoria Carey
Assistant Rep for District 8
NODA East

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