Dick Whittington

On a cold night, there was certainly a warm welcome at Newton Poppleford Village Hall where the Riverside Players performed their annual Pantomime, this year, Dick Whittington by Alan P Frayn, but with some great additional touches from the director Trish Barclay.

The songs were super and all connected with the story line so well, Jane Ledwood made a handsome Dick Whittington and paired off beautifully with Demi Horth as Alice, every inch the happy couple.

Tom the cat (Jenni Cardwell) was cleverly portrayed with some great movements and sang with feeling.

Steve Knight made a wonderful Idle Jack with a super accent that he did not let drop for one second, his mother Dolly Dumpling the cook (Baz Breadmore) did well and looked good, especially when acting the fool in the dance routine, although a little slow on his dialogue.

Tim Ashford (Alderman Fitzwarren) gave a great performance that fitted him like a glove, as did Barrie Papworth who played Creep very convincingly! He also doubled as Mustapha Klu. Gillian Coley was excellent as Captain Cuttlefish along with side kick Scupper (Steve Yarnall) impeccable timing and a very funny duo .Great stuff!

The Menacing King Rat (Gavin Haines) was played with great aplomb, being booed and hissed in all the right places, it was as if the role was tailor made for him (Gavin excels as a “baddie”) his opposite number Fairy Bowbells(Julie Salmon) was a very down to earth sensible kind of fairy, a great match for King Rat! David Pomeroy as Mr Bumble / Sultan and Di McKay as Nancy/Cherylhazada played their roles well.

The rats under their King did a fantastic job, with some good singing and characterization, the sailors with their dancing proved a showstopper! How good to see local young people involved. A good omen for amateur productions in future years. A guest appearance by Tiffany Clay as Mace Bearer, showed off her Majorette skills to perfection. There also were great touches with an underwater scene, using UV.Just magical.

Colourful costumes and good scenery, it was a real delight to watch and the audience reaction showed how much appreciated it was All made complete with a pianist(John Griswold) who knows his music so well and understands actors, having trodden the boards so many times himself.   

The Job Song (which has become a tradition of the Newton Poppleford panto) was superbly performed and went down a storm with a delighted audience.

An evening to remember, with great talent and all this in Newton Poppleford. Oh yes it was!

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