Dick Whittington And His Cat

HTC always present us with a colourful and entertaining evening whatever the show and this was no exception.  A well designed flexible set provided the backdrop for both Cheapside docks and the Island of Agadoo, with lighting that included strobe, follow spots and UV.  The music was provided by a small band and the large cast of mixed ages and abilities worked hard to deliver an entertaining evening.  Dame Victoria Sponge (Gary Hunt) held the action together with countless costume changes and treated us to a skilful fish pie making slosh scene.  Bethany Lynne provided a charming Alice Fitzwarren opposite Dick Whittington himself, played at rather short notice by Carl Betts.  They made an attractive couple and sang well together.  The antagonists Fairy Bow Bells and King Rat were a colourful contrast to one another and the Comedy Duo of Captain Wet and Mr Windy proved a confident pairing always in control.  Tabby the Cat (Tabitha Lammas) was very successful as a stand-up, smart-suited feline with attitude.   A team of five had the responsibility of dressing everyone and did a good job of coordinating outfits for Londoners, rats, sailors and islanders as well as all the principal characters, while props were gathered and supervised by three who would be kept busy providing enough nightly 'throw-outs' for the audience and consumables for the slosh!

I saw the show on opening night and for that reason there were a couple of hitches that would have been easily overcome on subsequent nights - a distracting costume malfunction, lack of attack at the opening of songs, and a general slow delivery that would pick up with daily repetition.  The choreography was simple but still needed more rehearsal to have been impressive and the children's singing, though enthusiastic, needed much clearer diction.  

The UV underwater scene that opened Act Two used bold and colourful puppets moved by well blacked-out handlers with movement that never spoilt the flow, as is sometimes the case when choreographers think it's appropriate to create a dance for them despite the fact they can't, or shouldn't, be seen.  Making the fish pie was well prepared, comically delivered with suitable mess and swiftly cleared away.  The audience reacted well throughout, booing King Rat, responding to the Dame's encouragement and joining in the community singing, and a thoroughly good time was had by all who attended.   I am always delighted that this form of entertainment, possibly the hardest theatrical genre to master, continues to thrive across the country and draw people away from the television.  Many people have their first theatre outing at a panto and those who tread the boards will frequently say their first experience is in the village panto.  Long may it continue.

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