Dick Whittington and his Cat

Can a pantomime be staged with a predominantly female cast? Yes it can and was, with just two lone gentlemen representing their gender and admirably at that! This production saw the bar raised for the society this year, with strong leads and new younger members bringing a refreshing amount of vitality to the stage. Favouring their usual large amount of songs, keeping the chorus busy, a couple of arrangements included clearly heard harmonies, adding welcomed interest to the sound. Most arrangements had been shortened, a really good move, helping to maintain a steady pace. ‘Good Day’ stood out with a particularly ‘smiley’ chorus and strong, confident singing. A female dame, while probably not suiting traditionalists, slipped into the slot seamlessly to my mind. Dauntless and loud with lots of energy, she proved to be more than a match to her previous male counterparts, building a solid rapport with the audience. Dick and Alice made an attractive couple, complimenting each other’s performance, accompanied by a nicely lithe, acrobatic Tommy the cat. Idle Jack gave a far from idle performance, delivering her lines with punch. Choreography was fun and varied including a nicely contained sailor’s flag dance and a bunch of energetic rats that showed they could ‘boogie’ with the best of them, not to forget the usual annual contribution from Lyme school of ballet whose’ little and not so little’ troupe never fails to charm the audience. While without doubt, the society came along in leaps and bounds this year in so many ways, staging still needed to be more imaginative, straight lines on a restricted sized stage does not make stimulating viewing for the audience. The same could not be said for the blaze of colour that shouted out from all corners. Costumes and set were one step ahead, beautifully designed and coordinated they were as is usual, a credit to the society. Okay, lines were forgotten a little more than they should have been and the quality of sound was not brilliant, but all in all, the society must be commended for giving 100% enthusiasm and producing a most acceptable, entertaining show.

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