Dick Whittington and His Magic Cat

It was a real pleasure to attend your Pantomime at Broadclyst and thank you for inviting me. This Pantomime; both written and directed by Katie Jones and based on the traditional Dick Whittington story was innovative and entertaining. Rats (members of the cast) scampering around the hall before the show began, touching and gazing at the audience was a nice touch. The Band were also dressed as rats and added to the atmosphere.

Rachael Cunningham looked every inch the principal boy as Dick, along with the magic cat Max alias Katie Jones, who really enjoyed interpreting her own script as the rather superior feline.

Louise Elliot was a charming and eminently likeable Alice, ably supported by some “salt of the earth “market traders, especially Vi (Andrea Brett).

Graham Sessions did well as Alderman Fitzwarren and he excelled as Lingalonga, the hairdresser, camping it up but not going over the top. Really funny! Rumpelstiltskin got booed at every turn and certainly was convincingly menacing, supported by his ghastly Zombies!  Who all turned out to be “goodies” in the end, well this is pantomime after all!

Pearl the chef (Dave Snell) made a good job of his part as a traditional Dame with good facial expressions, using the audience to bounce off. His side kick, Bottle the butler played by John Cunningham was a good foil to Pearl and played his role with enthusiasm.

Sapphire, the Rat Leader, played her part with energy and charm (given the budding romance with Max, no surprise, indeed some relief, that she turned out to be a cat) Given the sumptuous grey fur, button nose, and luxurious tail, the only surprise was that her parents hadn’t noticed!

Others, too many to name, all did a really wonderful job creating the atmosphere so needed for Panto. All looked as if they were enjoying themselves complete with excellent costumes!

The personification of the new Power Loom was excellently performed by the dancers. The songs were very different for a Panto, but always good to have some innovative thinking. The Band should be congratulated for an excellent performance under the direction of Rachael Diffey.

Act one was a little long, and perhaps too many strings to the story, led to this. There needed to be a little more comedy and pace in the first half. Act two was very good, with the Beauty Salon scene that was really funny. Also Act two was a lot tighter and pacier. This was a most enjoyable evening and it was great to see the performing talent and ability there is in Broadclyst. Long may it continue. Many congratulations to all concerned.

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