Theatre Royal, Windsor – until 12 January 2025
Reviewed by Kirsty Thomson
5*****
As the colder nights begin to draw in, Dick Whittington has arrived at the Theatre Royal, written by Steven Blakeley and directed by Charlotte Peters. A festive treat for all the family, this pantomime has it all. An enthusiastic, talented cast, adept staging and lighting, everyone’s favourite fictional fox, and even a flying turtle!
As act one, set in London Town begins, we’re introduced to Fairy Bowbells (Hilary O’Neil) who talks us through Dick Whittington’s (Mikko Juan) plans to settle in the city. Dick is introduced alongside his adorable cat ‘Tallulah’ (Rina Punwani) and they soon stumble upon Alice Fitzwarren (Mia Welsh). As Alice takes Dick to meet the rest of her family, the lighting dims and the audience are brought face to face with Queen Rat (Lyn Paul) who expertly depicts your typical pantomime villain. As the boos began to die down, the audience meet the rest of the fitzwarren family, Jack (Kevin Cruise), Sarah the Cook (Blakeley), and Alderman Fitzwarren (Basil Brush), who are all hard at work. The audience first get to meet Sarah the Cook via a FaceTime call followed by a musical montage filmed in the streets of Windsor, adding to the community feel this panto aims to produce. Something that really stood out to me is how Dick communicates with Tallulah through sign language, in addition to their verbal dialogue, which is an understated but very important touch for those in the deaf community.
There are many pantomime musts that are met throughout the show but what nobody will have expected is the dance-break performed by Jack to a throw-back 90’s mash-up. This got the whole audience, young and old, to their feet and was the perfect way to set the tone for the rest of the show. The first half goes by in no time at all as the audience are fully engrossed in the on-stage action, and before you know it, the first half, well… It’s behind you!
The cast and crew have gone above and beyond with this production to make sure it caters to everyone. From flying toilet rolls and water pistols, to a ‘bra that only holds 3’, and some mild adult humour along the way. There really is something for the whole family. The performance from Rina Punwani was particularly impressive through her ability to make the audience feel her character’s emotions without even speaking a word. The exceptionally quick costume changes by the whole cast were also remarkable and must be applauded.
I would absolutely recommend this exciting, funny and brilliantly performed pantomime to anybody that’s ready to get into the Christmas spirit. The whole audience gave a standing ovation to the entire cast at the finale and left the theatre with huge smiles etched across their faces.
If you’re struggling for plans with the family on the lead up to this Christmas, give Dick Whittington at the Theatre Royal, Windsor a go.
Wondering if you’ll have a good time?
Oh yes you will!