Dick Whittington

I visited Parish Players for their annual winter pantomime, a regular fixture in the group’s calendar, and it was a pleasure as always to attend. The hall was already busy when I arrived, and the production clearly drew a solid local turnout. There was a noticeable buzz of excitement, helped along by plenty of children in the audience.

Dick Whittington is the well‑known tale of a poor country boy who travels to London in the hope of finding a better life. Drawn by stories of streets “paved with gold,” he soon discovers that the city is far less welcoming than he imagined, yet his determination — and the unlikely help of a remarkable cat — set him on a path toward opportunity, adventure, and eventual success. It remains one of the most enduring rags‑to‑riches stories in the pantomime tradition.

Caroline and Maggi Chick deserve real credit for the time and care invested in shaping this production, which was evident in the confident pacing and the well‑prepared cast they put on stage. Their staging was lively throughout, making good use of the space and keeping the action moving without feeling rushed. The overall effect was colourful, engaging, and consistently entertaining, reflecting a steady hand and plenty of thoughtful work behind the scenes.

Congratulations once again to everyone at Parish Players and those directly involved with Dick Whittington. I look forward to visiting again in 2026 and wish the society good luck in your forthcoming production of Calendar Girls.

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