Richmond Theatre – until 7th January 2024
Reviewed by Carly Burlinge
4.5 ****
Richmond brings you the well-loved pantomime of Dick Whittington, a show for all and what an opening night it was! With many laughs and much entertainment throughout which had the whole audience, both children and adults laughing away from start to finish.
Dick Whittington (Jack Danson) embarks on a journey to London, where in no time he finds himself a place to stay, a job, is given a giant cat called Eileen (Charlie Smart) that provides some excellent movement and dance across the stage with ease. Dick also manages to fall in love with the beautiful Alice (Erin Sophie Halliday) and with the help of Suki the Sweet Maker (Suki Webster) and Sarah the cook (Paul Merton) they go on an adventure to save London from the evil Queen Rat (Vivien Parry) who is trying to launch an attack on the City. The gang will need to work together and be ready for the fight!! Will she be able to succeed? Or will Dick win the race as well as winning the heart of Alice and taking her hand in marriage?
Along with the Spirit of Bow Bells (Wendy Mae Brown) offering guidance along with some beautiful rhyming, much sparkle, and the whooshing of her wand.
Sarah the cook, who is young, single, and ready to mingle as the audience found out, offers some fabulous tongue twisters, much flamboyance alongside some magnificent outfits that keep getting increasingly extravagant. Keeping everyone incredibly entertained.
Queen Rat scurried across the stage with the whip of her tail, receiving the enormous panto boos in which were well-deserved.
All this offers much enjoyment along with the yearly audience participation of ‘oh no it wasn’t and ‘oh yes it was’ get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
The stage itself was stunning, packed with fabulous scenery around, very vibrant costumes, some great choreography, much talent, and an amazing connection upon stage for all to see.
At times, I did find that the sound was not right, with the orchestra sometimes out powering some of the lyrics but overall, a fun, enjoyable evening out. Definitely one to watch and very enjoyable evening out