Dick Whittington

DICK WHITTINGTON by Alan P Frayn takes us on a journey from Highgate Hill in London to the shores of Morocco and along the way the panto is sprinkled with villains, silly jokes,
romance, daft banter, uplifting songs and a few dances. There’s a little bit of magic, fantastic colourful costumes and all the ingredients needed to lift the spirits on a miserable winter evening.

The costumes were excellent. Dame Dolly Dumpling’s costumes were exceptional and she had more costume changes than I could count! Queen Rat’s flamboyant red dress with black touches was perfect. Alderman Fitzwarren was very smart and reflected her status within the story. Everyone’s costume was relevant to their role such as the sailor outfits for Captain Cuttlefish and Scupper, the Ratlings, the chorus and not forgetting Idle Jack and Fairy Bowbells.

The scenery, set and props were in keeping with the story with a Big Ben London scene to the left of the stage and woods to the right. The changing locations were well represented from the Fitzwarren’s shop, London streets, the ship’s deck and the Sultana’s palace. The props were good and ranged from the cauli (collie!) that Jack was taking for a walk, Dick’s red spotted handkerchief to the skeleton topped staff of Queen Rat (one of my favourite props).

The sound, on the whole, was good although some solos could have done with a bit more volume. I didn’t have any trouble hearing – but I was in the second row. The lighting was good and the billowing back curtain to enhance the storm scene was very effective.

The panto opened with a cheerful song “Good Day” at the Fitzwarren Market stall and from then on, the show followed the traditional pattern of highs and lows, goodies and
baddies led by the suitably evil Rat Queen who reigned supreme: an outstanding performance from Lily O’Sullivan. Debb French as Alderman Fitzwarren was polished and professional, bursting with confidence and should be congratulated on her successful tongue twister! There was good chemistry between the hapless pair, in the shape of Claire Lymer and John Willcocks as Captain Cuttlefish and Scupper. The latter produced the panto and the former was Musical Director, Choreographer and set designer! Anthony Martin, as Dame Dolly Dumpling had great comic timing and audience interaction. Although the panto was mainly for the kids, there was plenty of innuendo and jokes aimed at the adults as well as local references. My favourite of those being “…..a strange, remote and desolate place, Hartley Wintney!”

Directed by Lesley Nicholl, this was a lovely piece of theatre performed by a cast of adults and children that encapsulated pure joy and was enjoyed and appreciated by the responsive audience.

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