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Dick Whittlington and his Cat

Author: Decia Ranger

Information

Date
14th December 2019
Society
Clavering Players
Venue
Clavering Village Hall
Type of Production
Pantomime
Director
Jennifer Scott-Reid
Musical Director
Not listed
Choreographer
Not listed

It’s always a pleasure to review this group’s annual pantomime. Whatever the weather outside, we are always sure of a warm welcome within. 

This year there were some new faces on stage which is always good to see.  Not all the children were at the same performance level, but then allowances must be made for those appearing not only in their first pantomime but being on stage for the first time, which can be quite overwhelming. For the most part they had conquered the basics of the choreography, which had been kept simple and you certainly couldn’t fault their enthusiasm.  There is always one child who stands out from the rest and for me it was a little lad downstage left who really put his all into it. Playing to an audience appeared to leave him completely unfazed.

Well done to Helen Howett as Fairy Liquid who opened the show with the prologue, not only in verse as is customary but in cockney rhyming slang. Jamey Benson was suitably fierce as King Rat but not scary enough to frighten the younger members of the audience, which was good.  He did tend to rush his lines though, making it difficult at times to catch what he was saying.  He needs to learn to pace his delivery. His two henchmen were very well played by Sue Grant as Nip and Jean Schofield as Tuck; two experienced actors who really know how to make the most of their comic lines. These three characters were a good trio, the height difference obviously adding an additional comic dimension.

There were other good performances from Matt Elliston as Alderman Fitzwarren and Dan Harwood who made an excellent Dame Doris Sparrow, sporting a wonderful array of outfits, so many I lost count. Alice was nicely played by Megan Elliston and Bryony Kay as Dick Whittington was every bit the principal boy. She also has a very nice singing voice. Very well done to Lily Betts on her lovely characterisation of Dick’s faithful friend, Neville the Cat.

A lovely lively performance by Rachel Betts as Jackie Sparrow, tasked with whipping up enthusiasm from the audience.  Never an easy thing to do but she certainly gave it her best shot.  

Tudor Owen made a good Captain Bluebeard assisted by Pirates, Curly, Costo, McWinky and O’Jelly, well played by Sam Elliston, Isabel Harley, Amelia Hartley and Clair Milner. A nice cameo role by Daniel Liddle as Town Crier. 

The large chorus of children were certainly well drilled and played their roles with great enthusiasm.  I particularly liked their expressive acting when dressed as rats.    

No pantomime would be complete without a comic song with audience participation.  The Twelve Days of Christmas with words appropriate to the panto, was printed on the back of the programme, so if you didn’t have a programme you didn’t have the words and despite the hard work of those on stage, at this performance audience participation petered out towards the end which was a shame. 

Pre-recorded music accompanied a good choice of songs and there were some strong vocals. The production moved at a good pace, was well costumed and to my mind everything a traditional pantomime should be.

Thank you for inviting me.  A very enjoyable production.

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