Dick Whittington Kitten's Got Talent

Firstly may I offer a big welcome to BATS now having become one of  NODA District 12’s newest members.

Having seen many Pantos in Bildeston over the years it is good to see that BATS have now re-established the tradition with a host of new faces.  Panto is such a key part of village life in these communities with many societies still performing for the entertainment of their residents.

In this version the Narrator, played by Barry Harman, doesn’t just stand on the side of the stage reading the story but is thoroughly involved with all the other characters.  A nice touch and Barry acted this comic role very effectively with good facial expressions. This was a traditional version of Dick Whittington with its familiar storyline apart from the casting which generally associates a female playing principal boy and a male playing dame.  It can work in reverse but is a step away from what most would expect. In this instance Dick Whittngton was played by the director, Richard Knightley and the Dame, Sarah the Cook  played by Jayne Cage who both complimented each other.   Ann Roffe took the feline role of Jinx the Cat as she tried to help Dick find fame and fortune. Other cast included Alderman Fitzwarren and his daughter Alice played by Paul Chapman and Lauren Bunce.  I understand Lauren was called in to fill the role at short notice and she added quality to the role with her beautiful singing voice. Sophie Cage played Idle Jack and was very comical in her presentation of this character. Particular mention must go to Caroline Gage as Queen Rat who very quickly got the audience interacting with her. Visually she looked fabulous as she  gave an entertaining performance of this cunning, scheming  character.  The supporting characters all gave lively and energetic performances and the younger chorus should also be congratulated.   

I liked the full company number ‘Thank you very much’ which was enthusiastically performed by all involved and appreciated by the audience.  There was also some good choreography.   The set looked very effective with numerous artistically painted flats which enhanced the production.   I also really liked the scene set on the boat where two of the characters took up the iconic ‘Titanic’ like pose while other cast members were throwing coloured confetti which was being blown by what looked like a garden leaf blower to imitate sea spray. It was very funny and an ingenious idea.  Costumes throughout the production were all colourful and appropriate.

I was however concerned regarding the number of what in my opinion were over explicit innuendos. Only my opinion but with the number of younger people in the audience and in the cast they made me feel rather uncomfortable. 

BATS are just getting started and I wish them well with their plans for further productions throughout the year and working with the local community to provide a creative outlet for the village.

Well done to Richard and all his cast and crew for all their work and commitment in producing this show. Thank you for inviting us, it was good to meet you all.

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