Dick Whittington

I think I should start my report by saying that if my ‘Dick Whittington’ is as well received as yours was then I shall be very happy! It really was a fun evening with plenty of laughter and involvement for the audience and some memorable performances.

Maggie explained to me that she had wanted to give the younger members an opportunity in the pantomime - very important if we are to have another generation of dedicated amateurs coming up. 
Luke Pulfer was first rate as King Rat. I don’t believe I’ve seen him play a nasty character before but he did it brilliantly. In Frayn’s version King Rat has a slightly more substantial part than in the Robin’s one that I am directing and I enjoyed that.
In the role of Fairy Bowbells Rhianne Goddard looked the part and generally delivered her lines clearly but on occasion some of her dialogue needed a little more drama. Although a benign character she is up against King Rat so she can still express excitement or disdain without taking away from her overall gentleness
Idle Jack must have a rapport with the audience and my goodness did he have it! The audience just loved Thomas Manley who played the part superbly making it hard to believe he is only 15! He never stepped out of character for a moment and was bursting with energy, coming across as a thoroughly likeable Idle Jack.
Neve Lawler appeared a little ill at ease at the start but she grew into the part of Alice as the pantomime progressed and she overcame her nervousness. The principal girl is never the most satisfying of characters to portray as it is such a straight one, but perhaps a little more animation in the role would have given her more authority.
The straight role of Alderman Fitzwarren was strongly acted by Gareth Day whose diction was first rate.
Zoe Lawrance sang pleasantly and acted with confidence as the principal boy Dick.
The comedy duo of Captain Cuttlefish and Scupper’ played by Steve Smith and Affy Harris respectively made the most of the comedy and the pairing worked well.
Dolly Dumpling was a comparatively small part for a Dame and I would have liked to see more of Mike in that role. His timing was good and the cookery session caused much amusement. Dolly’s recipe instructions gave rise to some priceless facial expressions from Jack.
Poppy Williams made a cute little cat but needed more direction as to feline movements to support the character of Tom the Cat. She had a little bit of a problem with her hair falling over her face and had to keep pushing it away.
Another good performance was from Jerry Howell as the rather shady character of Skipper Kipper, (I liked his playing guitar on stage too) and the inclusion of Blodwen, Hilda and Molly was a great idea. The three ladies played those supplementary roles with enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment and certainly added something extra to the pantomime.
The role of the Sultan of Morocco is not a very big one but Robert Garner made it notable and was extremely amusing.
The ‘dream’ scene at the end of act two was good and the music from ‘Les Miserables’  was perfect.
The choice of musical numbers was nicely varied; there were a couple I didn’t know but that is probably a generational thing, and the recorded music was more or less ‘seamless’. There was just one song where the music was too loud for the singers, (although I could hear Mike)  and that was ‘Anything You Can Do’. The finale using the tune to ‘Life is a Cabaret’ with new words worked very well.
On board the mop drill was very funny and the sound effects and lighting really enhanced the storm scene.
I didn’t quite see the point in the ultra violet scene; the fish were pretty but the cast running across with floaty ribbons seemed pointless, that is until Jack came on in the darkness and the audience called out ‘pull your socks up Jack’. It made it all worthwhile!
Costumes were colourful, King Rat’s was splendid and the small rats looked very cute with their pink ears.
Scenery was good, the opening scene was especially attractive, and props were suitable.
The chorus of children added to the numbers on stage and also to the production, and, apart from one young girl who looked as though she were searching for someone in the audience, they were all involved in the action on stage and acquitted themselves very well.
On the direction front, and considering the small stage and large cast Maggie had to work with, there were no obvious problems and everything appeared to run smoothly.
Choreography was simple, all that is needed in a pantomime, and the cast performed confidently.

‘Dick Whittington’ was a most enjoyable pantomime and I thank you for inviting me to see it; also for kindly accommodating one more person on the evening.
It was as always good to see old friends at St. Hilda’s Entertainers.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a healthy 2014.
E. Gloria Smith
N.O.D.A. South East Regional Representative – District 12.

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