Dick Whittington & his Cat

Alex Swailes M.B.E. and Ken Branson, directors of C.A.D.S. production of Dick Whittington, must be very proud of their attempts to lead this community society after their successful years of staging musicals, into reverting to their love of performing traditional pantomimes.  Once again this was a real community effort, the result of which was a very entertaining, slick and innovative evening of fun, much appreciated by the lively audience who obviously enjoyed every minute of the production.

An excellent script and a great principal line-up ensured the success of the show. Joan Wilkinson who was ‘Fairy Bow Bells’ was competent and sparkling in her delivery, and her solo singing was excellent. I loved the idea of her having an apprentice fairy.  Laura McTurk was the ‘Apprentice Fairy’. She was very pretty in her role and her dancing added an extra sparkle to this duo. The wicked trio ‘King Rat’, ‘Gnawbone’ and ‘Gnashfang’, respectively Heather Farndale, Victoria Richardson and Robert Howey, worked hard to bring out their evil characters with much encouragement from the audience. Robert Famelton played ‘Idle Jack’ and what a versatile actor he has proved to be over the years. He bounded onto the stage with such enthusiasm that he soon had the audience right behind him and he kept this up throughout the whole show, working extremely well with his side kick Mike Jevons, playing ‘Sarah the Cook’. Mike made an outrageous dame, very colourful, just perfect for this role and each time on stage left us asking for more. Such an important role in panto and he performed it with style and panache!! Linda Milburn was very confident in her role as ‘Dick Whittington’. Her acting was fresh and stylish, and she sang well. Amy Hutchinson, playing ‘Alice Fitzwarren’, gave her best in this her first principal role.  Supporting actors playing ‘Captain Cuttle’, ‘Alderman Fitzwarren’, ‘Tommy the Cat’ and ‘Sultan of Morocco’ namely Bill Wood, Chris Howey, Georgia Garrington and Brian Staff who were all secure in their parts, and gave good support to the main principals.

A small chorus who were obviously giving of their best, added to this colourful production. Their rendition of two very complicated chorus songs was very well attempted considering how ambitious they were. It didn’t quite work for me, however I really admire them for having a go. Musical Director Neil Milburn kept everything going at a lively pace. I love traditional music so really enjoyed the addition of the ‘Ship’s Band’ made up of local musicians Colin Bradford, Di Jevons and Evie Mackenzie. Scene changes, in charge of stage manager Simon Fountain, were very slick considering the tiny wing space this company has.

Special commendations much go to the costume department and set constructors and painters. Costumes were excellent especially since with the exception of one or two, were put together by Isobel Robinson and Anne Swailes. Very well done ladies! Too many people involved in creating the set and painting it to name all, but suffice to say it complemented the whole production and was colourful and eye-catching.  Make-up was creative and very effective.  In this small community hall, lighting and sound was extremely well controlled by both teams.

I loved the extra ideas you added. The orchestra umbrellas, the plank scene so slick and well thought out, a learner fairy and the effective use of your newly bought ‘follow spot’.  What a success the purchase of this piece of equipment has proved to be, always such an excellent and effective addition to any production.

This extremely warm and welcoming society thoroughly deserves the success it has achieved and the way in which it involves the whole community. It was an excellent evening and congratulations must go to all for giving us a lovely night of entertainment. The lovely comments I heard from the audience as they left the hall are a marked success of all the hard work you have all put in to continue to make us all enjoy our love of live theatre.

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