The purrrrfect panto for Newbury
THE Corn Exchange, bedecked with festive decorations, a beautiful tree, and festoons of lights, has rats in the auditorium... it must be this year’s Christmas panto Dick Whittington! An ‘absolute winner’ says our reviewer ROBIN STRAPP.
Pictures: PHIL CANNINGS
The Corn Exchange is bedecked with festive decorations, a beautiful real tree in the foyer and festoons of lights in the auditorium for this year’s Christmas Panto Dick Whittington and it’s an absolute winner.
Once again, the award-winning creative team of Plested, Brown and Wilsher return for their sixth year at the helm, with Adam Brown inventively directing what is a refreshing new interpretation of the traditional story, fizzing with energy and pace.
Saturday’s capacity enthusiastic audience was out for a fun evening and they were certainly not disappointed… it was absolute joy.
Grace Kelly Miller was our Detective Fairy Bowbells, determined to keep law and order in Newburyshire, adding a bit of magic to help out.
Our hero Dick, impressively played by the charismatic Kai Harris dressed in his Scout uniform with proficiency badges along his sleeve, quickly wins the audience over as together with his cat Cosmo (Jade Johnson) he sets off to seek fortune in old London.
They meet Alderman Fitzwarren (Chris Rankin - aka Harry Potter’s Percy Weasley) and his daughter Alice (Shannon Bourne), down on their luck as their emporium is losing money because the city is overrun by rats.
Alex Crandon played the true villain as evil Percy Rat, relishing the audience’s loud enthusiastic boos.
Every panto needs their Dame and Scott Riney, making his debut, filled the role in abundance, carrying off the most outlandish costumes.
Look out for Captain Bird’s Eye fish fingers sequence - a hilarious take on the traditional ghost scene.
The hardworking ensemble Adam Craig, Finna Hardy and Jake Poolman were superb, adding so much to this sparkling production.
Miranda Wilford’s imaginative choreography was breathtakingly dynamic and the cast energetically performed with flair and brio everything from tap to breakdancing. It was exhausting to watch.
Musical director Ben Barrow, assisted by Luke Hinchliffe, provided a spirited score that was spot-on.
With puns galore, local references and oodles of audience participation, including everyone joining in the Time Warp, this vibrant production is purrrrrrrfect entertainment for all the family.
Not to be missed.
Dick Whittington continues at the Corn Exchange until January 5.