Dick Whittington

Dick Whittington and Babes in The Wood/Robin Hood, to my knowledge, are the only pantomimes which are based, some more loosely than others, on actual events and folk tales. Richard (Dick) Whittington has managed to retain most of its truth as he was indeed the four times lord mayor of London in the late 1300’s/early 1400’s. The tale has developed slightly over the years with the inclusion of immortal characters such as a fairy and a talking sewer rat but the main structure of the narrative all rings true – he was indeed employed as a tradesman in London before eventually becoming mayor, he embarked on a voyage to Morocco (which saw him return with exotic fabrics to trade), was framed for theft and later pardoned, his wife was Alice Fitzwarren (the daughter of a tradesman) and he was renowned for being regularly accompanied by his pet cat.

During his time as mayor, Richard Whittington campaigned for the paupers of London with much of his time and efforts being driven to aid the deprived residents of the city. He built a maternity hospital for unmarried mothers and to this day the Whittington Maternity Hospital still stands on London’s Highgate Hill, a significant location in the tale.

A notable mention must go to the chorus who were offering smiles all round which kept the full company numbers and scenes alive, energised and in good spirit for pantomime.

Eamonn Hesling as Idle Jack had a first-rate rapport with the audience and seemed completely at ease addressing the crowd and competently owned his performance with poise, half the battle for undertaking this duty / role in any panto.

As our King Rat, Ian Darke had the stature and command for such a role, however, being so unsecure on his lines hindered his overall delivery resulting in an acute sense of hesitance throughout his scenes.  

This year we welcome a new dame to the Urmston stage, Adam Garnett brought an ideal act as Sarah Hotpot, this genre and send-up disposition suits him and allows him to indulge offering an enjoyable and exact act.

Olivia Barratt looked every part the principal boy and sang out with verve and delight.

This script felt in desperate need of an overhaul to bring it into this millennium, a few parts did seem somewhat obsolete with its language and topics of conversation going over most of the heads of those under twenty-five.

The UV section broke the most essential rule more than once, if we see the silhouette of a cast member then the illusion is ruined and the magic lost.

The music was an eclectic offering of tunes featuring recent chart hit; ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ (featured in every panto I’ve seen this season!). Broadway showstoppers; ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking The Boat’ and ‘We’re In The Money’. And what panto would be complete without a nod to Disney; ‘A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes’.

The music, provided by the very able quartet kept the spark alive and contributed no end to the flow and pace of the production.

Richard Gaffney (Director) and Emma Harris (Choreographer) have inspired the ensemble with the motivation to delight in their time on stage which has thoroughly increased the viewing pleasure. Many congratulations to all concerned.

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