Dick Whittington

What a happy panto this was, with lots of enthusiasm and plenty of smiles. The show opened with Fairy Bowbells who was delightfully played by Lisa Higham, and King Rat menacingly played by Derek Longstaff, he had the audience booing from the start.

The curtains then opened on the City of London, where Alice Fitzwarren and the town’s people and children got the show off to a good start with ‘Dancing in the Streets’. Caitlin Bibby was a charming Alice and there was a good rapport and singing between her and Dick Whittington, very well played by Lucy Stewart, both these principles had excellent stage presence, well done.

Sarah the Cook was in the capable hands of Gary Cross who immediately had us in the palm of her hand especially when she sang the ‘Sweeties Song’, she gave out sweets during her song but unfortunately I did not get one! What a good supply of costumes and wigs which suited her outgoing personality. There was very good audience participation between Sarah and her son Idle Jack, who I liked very much and so did the audience, a good portrayal by Chris Metcalf. The kitchen scene with both him and Sarah had the audience in hoots of laughter. Poor Dick Whittington gets blamed after money goes missing from Alderman Fitzwarren’s house and Dick is told to leave London with his cat.

The second act opened up on board the good ship Lollipop, where Captain Cuttle played by David Ronson and the rest of the cast are singing ‘Sailing for Adventure’. Sarah and the children really did well with their rendition of ‘On the Good Ship Lollipop’. Unfortunately King Rat brings on a storm and the crew are washed up on the shores of Morocco, then they meet the Sultana played by Paddy Holman who gave a very regal performance flanked by delightful harem girls, she really was in fine voice.

The Island is overrun by rats who were led by Gnowbone and Gnashfang played by Roisin McCann and Carla Addison, both very menacing, but they all meet their end by Tommy the Cat, well done Roseanna Sharples, you had all the cat like qualities off to a tee, beautiful to watch.

All the support from the rest of the cast and children made up that extra ingredient to make this pantomime a winner. The sets were as always very good, there was some lovely choreography set off by colourful costumes, the musical accompliment was excellent and a good choice of songs.

Thank you Garstang Theatre Group for a good evening’s entertainment, and for always making me feel welcome over the years. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and all best wishes for 2017. Thank you.

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